Jack Cannon Whites

In Loving Memory of Jack C. Whites, MD



It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Dr. Jack Whites who left us on April 3, 2025, at the age of 92. Jack was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many.



Born on February 24, 1933, in Louisville, MS, Dr. Whites lived a life full of love, compassion, and dedication. He spent his career in Family Practice and Addiction Medicine, where he was known for his dedication and commitment to the patients he served. His exceptional work ethic, humility and commitment to helping others were evident to all who had the pleasure of working with him.



Jack was a pillar of strength for his family, always offering support and guidance. He married Sally M. Shumaker on December 21, 1952, and together they shared over 72 wonderful years of marriage, raising three daughters: Debby Harper (Tommy), Pam DeVine (Brian), and Kathy Schencker. He was a loving and supportive father, instilling values of integrity, perseverance, and kindness in his children.



His interests and hobbies included golf and fishing, and he was a fan of almost all sports. Much of this interest came naturally to Jack as he was an exceptional athlete in high school and later college at Delta State University. Jack was All-State in football and baseball at Louisville High in 1950 and was a four-year letterman in both sports at Delta State. However, he always felt his greatest accomplishment was finishing first in his class (Summa Cum Laude) at Delta State in 1954. Jack was inducted into the Delta State Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.



Upon completion of his studies at Delta State, Jack was accepted at The University of Mississippi School of Medicine, graduating in 1959. His practices in Family Medicine included an internship at Martin Army Hospital at Fort Benning, GA, US Army Hospital at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, NM, and private practice Family Medicine in Flushing, MI. Dr. Whites returned to his roots in the south, joining Birmingham Medical Group Clinic from July of 1969 until October of 1977. He later served as Medical Director for Brookwood Lodge, Parkside Lodge, and Bradford Health Services. His numerous memberships included the Jefferson County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, the American Medical Association, American Society of Addiction Medicine, and he served on The Board of Directors of the Alabama Chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism. Dr. Whites was a dedicated believer that "everyone should have a chance to live a life free of addiction".



Dr. Whites was a long time member of Canterbury Methodist Church in Mountain Brook and leaves behind many close friends from his years of attendance there.



In addition to his immediate family, Jack (affectionately known as "Pops") was blessed with four grandchildren: Jett Schencker (Jaycie), Graham Harper, Zac DeVine (Logan) and Hannah Coates (Jack). Jack was blessed with four great grandchildren as well: Jack Schencker (age 5), Karsyn Coates (age 2), Palmer DeVine (age 2) and J.T. Coates (10 months). He cherished every moment spent with them, creating memories that will be treasured forever.



Jack was preceded in death by his mother, father and four older brothers, all of Louisville, MS and the surrounding areas. He is survived by his wife of 72 years Sally M. Whites.



Special thanks to the sitters with Always Best Care for the love and support they have shown for our father in the last many years, particularly Sylina, Katelan, Patricia, Gennine, and Yasmine. The family would also like to thank ACG Hospice for their support over the past few weeks.



A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be announced in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Jimmy Hale Mission, The Alethiea House, or the Alzheimer's Association in his memory.



Jack's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering love will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.



"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" - 2 Timothy 4:7