AMERICUS — Jerry Alan White died peacefully on Feb. 25, 2015, at Magnolia Manor in Americus, Ga., with his children by his side at the age of 91.

Born Feb. 27, 1923, in Fitzgerald, Ga., he is survived by his children, Tina White Todd and her husband Mark Todd of Americus, Ga., Alec White of Louisville, Ky.; grandchildren Adam and Blair Todd of Springfield, Va., Brittany Todd of Atlanta, Ga., Chase Todd of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Chandler White of Villa Rica, Ga., Jared White of Villa Rica, Ga., Mackenzie White of Louisville, Ky., Madeline White of Louisville, Ky.; great-grandchild Piper Todd of Springfield, Ga., and numerous relatives throughout Georgia and South Carolina. He was previously married to Nancy Ashurst White of Fitzgerald, Ga. He is preceded in death by his parents Scott and Faye White of Fitzgerald, Ga., his wife Frances Reeves White of Fort Gaines, Ga., his son Scott Alan White of Atlanta, Ga., and his brothers Tom “Babe” White of Moultrie, Ga., and D. Alec White of Fitzgerald, Ga.

A graduate of Fitzgerald High School, Jerry invested a significant portion of his life in continual learning, including education at Virginia Military Institute and Auburn University, bachelor xegree in industrial arts from Georgia Teacher’s College (now known as Georgia Southern University), a master of education from Vanderbilt University and a doctoral in leadership from the University of Georgia.

A life-long advocate for innovation in education, Jerry started his 40-year career as a teacher at Fitzgerald High School, followed by roles as the principal and superintendent of Clay County Schools.  He spearheaded the merger of Clay County and Randolph County systems creating a comprehensive Randolph-Clay High School in Cuthbert, Ga., led multiple efforts to improve education across the state and received numerous awards from the Georgia Teachers Association for his significant contributions and advocacy.

As a veteran of World War II, Jerry traveled the world; he lived for several years in India where he worked in support of the reconstruction efforts after the war. He was an active civic leader and volunteer, including service as Scout Master for many years in Ben Hill County and Clay County, Ga. He received numerous awards and commendations for his areas of service, including the Silver Beaver from the Boy Scouts of America, the highest honor given to a volunteer. His many talents and passions included singing, dancing, gardening, traveling, camping, story telling and woodworking.

Per his wishes, there will be no funeral service, and in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to The League of Good Samaritans of Magnolia Manor, 2001 S. Lee St., Americus GA 31709. This organization ensures long-term care for those unable to afford it.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Magnolia Manor Assisted Living, Rehab, and Nursing Center for their exceptional care and compassion over the past 2.5 years.

You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts and memories by visiting http://www.greghancockfuneralchapel.com/

Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.