Edward (Ned) C. White of Brentwood, Tennessee, passed away on June 4, 2025, after saying goodbye to all seven of his children. He was born on Jan. 31, 1932, to Homer C. White and Mary C. White (Selby) in Coldwater, Michigan. Encouraged by his high school principal, he enrolled at Michigan State University through the ROTC program, setting him on a path to become a husband and father while pursuing a lifelong career in journalism. It was during college that he not only discovered his chosen profession but also met the love of his life, Mary (Lori) Loraine White (Shaffmaster). They quickly became inseparable and shared nearly 60 years of marriage.
After graduating, they moved to Adrian, Michigan, where he joined the Adrian Telegram, a daily newspaper, while also serving in the Army Reserve, rising to the rank of captain. As an only child, he and Lori, who also came from a small family, aspired to raise a large family, ultimately having seven children. Whether as a husband, a professional, or a father, he provided quiet but unflappable stability and dependability in nearly every situation. Even during the annual family camping trips that packed a family of nine, and sometimes his cherished English bull terrier, into a station wagon for an entire week. He was always relied upon for his practical and insightful advice, which proved beneficial in both raising a family and advancing his career.
Recognized for his innate talents and understated drive, he was promoted to publisher and general manager of the Leominster Enterprise (now the Sentinel and Enterprise) in Leominster, Massachusetts. He then took on the challenge of revitalizing another Bay State newspaper, the Taunton Daily Gazette, before receiving his final assignment at the larger The Daily Times in Salisbury, Maryland, where he capped off a 40-year career in the newspaper industry.
He is survived by three daughters: Leslie Rothamel and husband William of Brentwood, Tennessee; Sarah Neill and husband Harry of Longmont, Colorado; and Amy Perry and husband Lew of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He also leaves behind four sons: John White and wife Cathy of Fitchburg, Massachusetts; Dr. David White and wife Paula of Norfolk, Virginia; William White and wife Lynn of Mashpee, Massachusetts; and Thomas White of McLean, Virginia. Additionally, he is survived by 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Lori, daughter-in-law, Anne White (Purcell), and grandchild, Mark (Zac) Zachary Smullen.
