Donald Knox White Jr.
September 30, 2017
On September 30, 2017, Donald K. White, Jr passed away in Gainesville, FL, at the age of 69, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his daughters, Jenna White of Gainesville, FL and Megan Michaels of Nashville, TN; as well as his sister Barb Holcomb of Annapolis, MD; brother Bill White of Sedona, AZ; nephews Justin Holcomb of Blacksburg, VA and Bill White of Annapolis, MD; and son-in-law Brett Michaels of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by his grandson, Julian Michaels.Don was born in Evanston, IL to Don White, Sr and Helen White on March 24, 1948, and grew up in Fairfax, VA. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of Virginia in 1970 and earned a Master’s Degree in Instructional Systems from Indiana University in 1971. He moved to Howard County, MD where he began a 30+year career in education.Don was a leader in many ways for the Howard County Public School System. He started in a role as Media Specialist for Glenelg High School where he also taught summer school and helped coach the football and lacrosse teams. He moved from there into Assistant Principal roles at Oakland Mills High School, Howard High School and retired as Assistant Principal for River Hill High School. Don was very proud of the relationships he built within the community and said the favorite part of his day was bus duty in the morning - because it meant he got to say “hi” to everyone at least once that day.In retirement, Don discovered his skills with his hands and love of nature. He was a long-time volunteer at the National Botanic Gardens in Washington, DC; and, when he moved to Florida, he spent a great deal of energy working to create native habitats for birds, bees and butterflies in his back yard. Don also discovered his talent for wood-working and spent lots of time “making sawdust” in the garage - and talking to the neighbors in his Florida home.
If you find yourself in a quiet place outside with birds chirping all around you, know that Don is saying Hi and hanging out with you.
Donations can be made at either charity listed below:
· Florida Native Plant Society: https://forms.fnps.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1 · American Cancer Society: https://donate3.cancer.org/
View current weather.
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Jenna – I am so sorry for the loss of your father and at such a young age. I hope that your fond memories will help you during this difficult time. I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting your father during Toys for Tots and other volunteer events! My mother’s maiden name was Helen White and I grew up in Fairfax County, Virginia. My sister also retired as an assistant principal. Such a small world and so much in common! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Fondly, Dana
Don was my administrator, a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. He is far, far too soon gone.
A great friend for almost 50 years.. All he called friends valued that honor.
So sorry to hear that this positive man passed. Very happy to hear that he moved to where sun always shines to be with his family.