David White

David White, age 59, of Atlanta, GA passed away peacefully at his Wilmington home on October 5th after his four-year cancer journey where he demonstrated his strength, faith, and hope. He was surrounded by the love of his life, Jeni, and friends and family.

David was a true outdoorsman at heart and found some of his greatest joy in nature. From his earliest days he was drawn to the water and grew up skiing, boating, and fishing on Lake Lanier. Over the years the boats grew larger, the trips more adventurous and the fish stories bigger. He loved the calm and freedom that came from being on the water.

When the seasons changed, you would find him in the woods of Wisconsin with his best friend Jeff where hunting was less about the chase and more about the peace and beauty he found walking in the woods and hanging out in a deer stand. While he wasn’t crazy about the cold early mornings he cherished the times with his friends, watching for wildlife and just being part of the land he loved.

David had a special connection with all animals. He could never turn away from a pair of pleading eyes. He believed that every creature deserved a chance and gave selflessly to ensure they found safety and love. Over the years, he helped countless dogs, cats, birds, turtles, and even fish, except for the ones he hunted and fished for food!

David spent his career in sales, and his greatest strength was relating to his customers and always putting them first, creating relationships that lasted a lifetime. He was fiercely loyal and protective of his friends and was always the friend that you could count on to show up if you called him needing help.

His love of sports started with playing hockey in elementary school, and he kept at it for decades, only retiring his skates when cancer treatments made it impossible. His teammates liked to joke that David could say just about anything and they'd fall in line, usually ending up with a win thanks to one of his game plans (and maybe a little luck). He played for the love of the game—and the post-game stories just as much. And let’s not forget about the Dawgs! Saturdays were sacred for rooting them on.

As David looked to retirement, he and Jeni started revisiting his favorite beach areas in North Carolina. They knew it was meant to be when a plot of land became available on the Intracoastal Waterway in Wilmington. They moved their boat from Florida to North Carolina and designed their dream home with the perfect view of the water he loved so much.

David was the first person to say his life was well-lived, he had no regrets and did all that he could in the time he had. He is survived by his wife, best friend and as some say his “earth angel”, Jeni, parents, Charles Melvin and Phyllis White, his sister Christie (Luis) White-CASTELERO, whom he donated his stem cells to in a devoted act of love when she was diagnosed with leukemia and saved her life, and his beloved dogs Brody and Maggie.

That’s the man he was, compassionate, big-hearted, generous, and loving. He leaves behind a life of memories and stories that will be told around the campfires and boat docks for years to come.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7th, from 6-10 pm, with a brief memorial service at 7:30 pm at Park Bench at Truist Park/The Battery, 900 Battery Ave SE Ste 1060, Atlanta, GA 30339.

In memory of David, his love of animals and the care he received, donations can be made to Turtle Island Restoration Network, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare of Wilmington, Oscar's Place Adoption Center & Sanctuary, and Home for Life.

Please leave memories and condolences for David's family in the Guestbook below.

Care entrusted to Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation - 2209 Delaney Avenue Wilmington, NC 28403 910.769.1615