JON MANCHIP WHITE

WHITE, JON MANCHIP - age 89, of Knoxville, native of Cardiff Wales and a U.S. citizen by choice, died peacefully at home with his Knoxville family on Wednesday, July 31, 2013. His education at Cambridge University was interrupted by the war, during which he served in the Royal Navy and Welsh Guards. He resumed his studies at Cambridge after and earned three degrees. He was recruited by MI5 for a short while after which he landed at the BBC. Jon was a prolific writer, the author of over 30 books and many plays, poems and film scripts. He was also a respected and much loved academic and Man of Letters. When he first came to the U.S., he was "Writer in Residence" at the University of Texas at El Paso. Then he was offered the prestigious Lindsey Young Chair of English at the University of Tennessee, where he taught for over 20 years. At both schools he originated their fine and enduring 'creative writing' programs. He retired as professor emeritus and member of Phi Beta Kappa. He was also a man of great charm, wit and kindness. He wrote and published up until his death. He is survived by daughter, Rhiannon White Kirkpatrick; son-in-law, Robert Kirkpatrick; and grandson, Evan Kirkpatrick, all of Knoxville, who would like to sincerely thank all our dear friends who helped and cheered him during his long illness. His daughter, Bronwen White, of San Antonio, Texas, and grandson, Tony White, of Metairie, Louisiana, will also miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by 18 years by his beloved wife of 49 years, Valerie Leighton White, also a native of Wales. For many years Patricia Carter-Zagorsky, also of the University of Tennessee, has been his long time friend and traveling companion. A memorial is planned and will be announced at a later date. If you would like to read more about his life and works please visit this webpage http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Manchip_White . Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com.