John Kennon "Ken" White Sr.

WHITE, Sr., John Kennon "Ken"

John Kennon "Ken" White, Sr., 83, of Douglasville, GA, passed away December 6, 2025, at Tranquility Hospice Wellstar Cobb. Ken was born October 14, 1942, in Atlanta, GA, at Georgia Baptist Hospital.

Ken attended Southwest High School and upon graduation, enrolled at Southern Tech. At Southern Tech he met lifelong friends who enjoyed working on their cars and trying to get the most horsepower from them. He told stories of all his friends driving their cars on the unfinished expressways around Atlanta. Ken loved scouting, camping and cooking over a campfire, even when sparks engulfed his tent. In scouting he achieved his Order of the Arrow. He loved to fish and spent many happy hours fishing with my Dad on Lake Lanier.

At the age of 19, Ken began working at the Atlanta Journal Constitution part-time as a Journeyman Pressman. This position transitioned into full time employment. Ken was an Assistant Foreman and retired as Nightside Assistant Production Manager forty-three years later.

Ken was lifelong Shade Tree Mechanic, racing and classic car enthusiast as evidenced by his love of his '55 baby blue Chevy, El Camino, and many Ford trucks. He was involved with Baird and Trivette Racing. He fondly remembered his time spent with Gary Baird and EJ Trivette. A highlight was the work they achieved on the movie cars for the original Smokey and the Bandit. He made many friends that were fellow car geeks.

Ken is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cynthia Davis White; children, John K. White, Jr., Angela White, Brett White (Ashley), Rick Engman (Susie), Michael Engman; grandchildren: Jessica Engman of Rheinfelden, Switzerland, Max Fielder of Aarau, Switzerland, Jonathan Kanwisher (Mirsada), Lindsay Kanwisher, Cameron White (Caroline); great-grandchildren: Jada, Mia and Caleb Kanwisher, Felicity Jane White; sister-inlaw: Peggy White, Sandra Roberson; niece: Ryann Harris, her son, L.G. Harris; and many first and second cousins.

Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Lucile Hubbard White; brother, Doug White; and special aunt, Johnnie Sue Hubbard.

A memorial service will be held January 5, 2026, at Carmichael Funeral Home, 2950 King St., Smyrna, GA 30080. The family will receive friends in the Chapel from 12:00 – 1:00 PM, with a service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made in Ken's honor to the American Cancer Society. Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna is in charge of arrangements. www.carmichaelcares.com 770-435-4467.