Garvie McKinley White

Garvie McKinley White, age 96, of Salisbury, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2017. Mr. White was born in Surry County, North Carolina, on January 26, 1921, the son of the late Alvin C. and Nelia Dudley White. After the death of his mother when he was 6, Mr. White and his siblings were separated and sent to work at farms in Maryland and Delaware. He entered the Maryland National Guard in 1939 and was activated in 1941 with the 29th Infantry Division, United States Army. He served with this division, training in England for nearly two years before participating in the D-Day invasion on Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944. He continued to serve until 1945, when he was discharged. He later served in the United States Navy and was discharged in 1952. After completing his military service, Mr. White apprenticed and later became a Welder/Pipefitter and worked as a member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitters Industry. He had been a member of that organization for 65 years. After retiring, he resided in Thomasville and later moved to Salisbury in 2005. Garvie enjoyed gardening, woodworking, working on vehicles (modifying cars and trucks), and built a three-wheeled motorcycle. He loved to dance which is where he met his companion of eight years, Dorothy “Jo” Barth. Until recently he had enjoyed good health and celebrated his 96th birthday at a party with neighbors and friends. In addition to his parents, Garvie was preceded in death by his companion, Jo Barth; four brothers and one sister; Alvin White Jr., Curtis White, McCree White, Dallas White and Pauline White. Garvie is survived by his Caregiver, Sara Hyde, and close friends Karen Barth Wenker and husband Denny, as well as friends and neighbors. A graveside service will be conducted at 2 PM – Friday (April 7) at the Historic National Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites conducted by the NC National Guard and the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 620 Bringle Ferry Rd., Salisbury, NC 28144 Summersett Funeral Home is serving the White family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com

Garvie McKinley White

January 26, 1921 - March 13, 2017