David Merle White, age 80, of Farragut, Tennessee passed away at home on Thursday, August 21, 2025 with his family by his side. David was born on May 7,1945 in Farragut, a community where he lived almost the entirety of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents (Sarah and Willie), all six of his siblings (J.W., Ed, Bob, Annie, Pat, and, Johnny,) and his precious daughter, Cheryl White Pryor. David is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Sandy, and their children, Angie White George (Chuck) and David Michael White. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Robert E. Pryor, Jr. and wife Nancy; Grandchildren/step-grandchildren: Shelby Pryor Gillin (Stuart), Andy Pryor (Lizzie), Cameron Bloomfield (Morgan), Cori Crocker (Yori), and Cliff Crocker; and multiple nieces and nephews and many close friends.
A fixture in the Farragut community, David was a captain and All-Knoxville League defensive end on an undefeated Farragut High football team in 1963. He graduated from Farragut in 1964, the same year he and Sandy were named Mr. and Miss FHS. After marrying Sandy, David worked as a machinist at Y-12 in Oak Ridge before embarking on a career in commercial and residential real estate development for the next forty years. In 2022 he was elected by the residents of Farragut to serve on the town’s Board of Alderman as a representative of the South Ward. As an Alderman, David dedicated himself to protecting the town from overdevelopment and became an unwavering voice in the preservation of its heritage. During his career and community service David was known for his work ethic, dedication to his core principles, and extensive study of the rule of law. Although he experienced illness, loss, and tragedy in his personal life, he never showed his pain and approached each challenge with humor and quiet resolve. David was eager to reunite with his daughter Cheryl, who passed at the age of 31. In the wake of her passing, David served as an example of how to live life with an appreciation for each day and each person he loved. In his final days, he taught his family and friends how to face death with courage.
A receiving of friends will take place on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Click Funeral Home in Farragut from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow. A graveside service for family and close friends will take place at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery (5315 Kingston Pike) at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 28, 2025. Pallbearers include, David Keck, Mike Tuell, Bill Hudson, Doug Horne, Cliff Crocker, and Steve Taylor. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in David’s name to The FHS Education Foundation
