Search by Name

JON MANCHIP WHITE

FUNERAL HOME

Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann

6200 Kingston Pike

Knoxville, Tennessee

JON WHITE Obituary

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.







Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Aug. 2 to Aug. 3, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for JON WHITE

Not sure what to say?





I would like to also send my condolences to the family of my former professor, Jon Manchip White. He certainly was a very kind man and he was extremely interesting and knowledgeable professor. I could have listened to his career tales for weeks on end. I feel very lucky to have lucked into his classroom!

Chris Durman

August 13, 2013

We will always miss Jon, and are full of admiration for Rhiannon, Rob and Evan for the care they gave him. We have Jon's books which are a consolation, and his ideas and fresh visions of the Southwest, in particular, accompany us every day. Our hearts and our respect are with you.

John and Helen Stockdale

August 7, 2013

Jon's family must know that he has a formidable legacy of friends -- colleagues far and near, distinguished and undistinguished; students, readers, beneficiaries all of his enormous generosity of spirit and catholicity of interests. Connie and Linda and I were greatly privileged to be among these admirers. Our lives will be forever enriched by his company and by his work.

Our deepest condolences and gratitude go out to the loving family who saw to his care during these last months and weeks. Ralph and Linda Norman

August 4, 2013

I met Mr. White and his wife when I was a teenager and became friends with his grandson Tony. I spent a lot of time at their place on Cherokee Bluff. He was a very kind man with the patience of a saint. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Hanson Tipton

August 2, 2013

I just read about Professor White's passing. Until the shock fades, all I can say is that my life is better for having known him. The world has lost an important voice.

William Kirkpatrick

August 2, 2013

How strange that I should "google" Jon Manchip White's name today just to find he passed away the day before yesterday! I read his book "The Journeying Boy" years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it as it took me back to my own childhood in South Wales.
As he crosses the great divide, I hope this brings a sense of peace to his loved ones:
The Ship
I am standing on the shore as a great ship gently glides
from the harbor and sails toward the horizon.
She is beautiful.
Sails billowing, shining as bright as sunlight sparkling on distant waters.
She grows smaller and smaller until at last,
her white sails shine as ribbons out where the sky and water mingle as one.
And as I watch, a voice behind me says,
"Well, she's gone!"
She's gone. Gone?
"No," I tell myself. No, she is not really gone. Not really!
She is gone only in the sense that I can no longer see her.
In reality, she is the same as ever; just as beautiful; just as shining!
And deep in my heart I know, that on another shore someone is crying out,
"Look! Look everyone! Here she comes!"

~Author Unknown

Karin John

August 2, 2013

Rhiannon, I am so very sorry to read of your father's passing. May God give you and your family comfort and peace during this time.

Ginger Cameron

August 2, 2013

I studied under Dr. White at UT in the 1980's, and there's a copy of "Death by Dreaming" on my bookshelf. He was funny, sweet, smart and a gentleman. I'll always think fondly of him. My condolences to his family and friends.

Susan Kelly

August 2, 2013

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in JON WHITE's name

Memorial Events
for JON WHITE

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann

6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

How to support JON's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor JON WHITE's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more