Peter White

WHITE, Peter Christopher

Peter C. White, Visionary Founder of the Southern Center for International Studies, dies at 91.

Peter Christopher White, a pillar of Atlanta's civic and international community and the visionary founder of the Southern Center for International Studies (SCIS), passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, at the age of 91.

Mr. White was a man of profound foresight who dedicated his life to connecting the American South with the wider world. In 1962, recognizing the growing importance of global interconnectedness, he founded what would become the Southern Center for International Studies with a simple yet powerful mission: to promote a deeper understanding of international affairs and cultures among the citizens, leaders, and students of the region.

Under his steadfast leadership, the Southern Center became a vital resource, hosting thousands of seminars, conferences, and educational programs. He brought world leaders, ambassadors, and policy experts to Atlanta, fostering dialogue on critical global issues long before globalization became a commonplace term. His work ensured that business leaders, educators, and public officials in the South were not just participants in the local economy, but informed citizens of the world.

A native of The Bronx, Mr. White was a graduate of Fordham University and served in the US Army before embarking on a career defined by impactful public service and an entrepreneurial vision. His passion for international relations was matched only by his deep commitment to civic life in Atlanta. He was a trusted advisor to mayors, governors, presidents and other world leaders, and an active member of numerous civic and cultural organizations including the Atlanta Rotary Club.

Mr. White is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Julia Johnson White; his sister, Mary Reilly; his children, Mark White (Tonya), Paul White (Monica), Tom White (Leslie), Michael White (Francie), Mahendra Srivastava (Sangita) and Se-Hoon Oh (Nayoung); his 17 grandchildren; his four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his oldest son, Peter C. White III; his parents, Peter C. White and Mary Cawley White; and his brother, James White.

A memorial service to celebrate his extraordinary life and contributions will be held at The Cathedral of Christ the King, on Monday, November 10, at 10 AM. The service can be viewed on-line at http://www.cathedralctk.com/livestream. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to support the Southern Center Archive through the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies Support Fund (Checks: payable to the University of Georgia Foundation).

Peter White will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a pioneering builder of bridges whose profound impact on the international stature of Atlanta and the South will be felt for generations to come.