Pervis Russell White Jr.

1942 - 2025

Pervis Russell White, Jr.

July 3, 1942 - November 29, 2025

Pervis Russell White passed away on November 29, 2025, in Pulaski, Virginia. Born on July 3, 1942, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Russ dedicated his life to education and athletics, leaving a legacy on every community he touched. Schools include Bermudian Springs, York, Pennsylvania, Eastern Lancaster County, New Holland, Pennsylvania, Manheim Central, Manheim, Pennsylvania, and George Wythe, Wytheville, Virginia.

Russ's journey began in Pennsylvania, where he attended Penn Manor High School. He continued his academic pursuits at Millersville University and later earned a master's degree in chemistry from the University of South Dakota. His passion for learning was matched only by his commitment to teaching and coaching - a dual vocation that defined his life.

For 37 years, Russ taught high school chemistry at Garden Spot High School in New Holland, Pennsylvania. In the classroom, he inspired generations of students with his knowledge and enthusiasm for science. Outside the classroom, he was equally influential as a coach. Over the course of an extraordinary 56-year coaching career in Track and Field, Russ led teams and athletes to numerous League, District, and State Championships. His dedication to student-athletes earned him a place in the Garden Spot Athletic Hall of Fame as a Master Coach.

Russ's contributions extended beyond track. He was instrumental in founding the Academic Hall of Fame at Eastern Lancaster County High School - an initiative that celebrated scholastic achievement and underscored his belief in the power of education.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy E. White; daughter PJ Kegel; sons Shawn Russell White and wife Jennifer White, and Joshua Harold White and wife Julie White; brother Don White and sister-in-law Lois White; nieces Julienne Redmond, and Lauren Hale. Grandchildren Delaney Kegel, Mikayla Kegel, Ruby White and Kate White. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pervis and Marie White; sisters Joyce Englert and Peggy White.

A man of enduring energy and purpose, Russ never stopped coaching. Even at 83, he was preparing for another season on the track - his passion undiminished by time. Russ was a good listener, and a kind and empathetic man. A friend to many. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to all who follow in his footsteps.

A celebration of life will be held on January 10, 2026, at the Village Chapel, 3091 Greenbriar Road, Draper, Virginia 24324, 1 p.m. No flowers please, donate to your local Track and Field Booster club in Russ's memory. Cards can be sent to Nancy White, P.O. Box 85, Bland, Virginia, 24315. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Grubb Funeral Home

215 S. 6th St. Wytheville VA 24382