Dr. Robert Henry White, of Lynchburg, died on Sunday, October 2, 2016, at the age of 77. He died in Alexandria, Virginia, of advanced Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. His sons, daughters-in-law, and long-time friend Steven Whitney were with him at his passing.
Dr. White was born Robert Salisbury on August 28, 1939, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Paul and Ruth Salisbury. His father died when he was 11, and he became Robert White when his mother remarried.
He demonstrated an early talent for music and languages – an aptitude that became the foundation for his life’s work. Dr. White completed a bachelor’s degree at Rollins College in Florida in 1962 and earned a doctorate in French language and literature from the University of Colorado. He held graduate degrees from American and European universities in music, modern languages, and literature. He spoke several languages, including native-level fluency in French and German, and was a concert pianist.
For nearly half a century he taught French, German, and music at Lynchburg College. He also volunteered for many years teaching in the Virginia prison system and in programs for former prisoners. While he earned a number of prestigious awards including a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and two Fulbrights, he was much prouder of the students he inspired and the former prisoners whom he helped to get a second chance.
Later in his life, he developed a deepened commitment to Judaism, studying at the Jewish Theological Seminar in New York. He was a member of the Agudath Sholom Synagogue in Lynchburg.
Dr. White is survived by his two sons Jonathan and Adrian; four grandchildren Harrison, Kieran, Lauren, and Morgan; daughters-in-law Nicola Netto White and Dawn Rister; former wife and close friend Rosalie Day White; younger brothers Frank White and Kent Salisbury; and by his considerable network of friends around the world, some of whom he called his brothers. He is also survived by generations of students and those he mentored.
A funeral for Dr. White will be held on Thursday, October 6 at 2pm at Beth Joseph Agudath Sholom Cemetery on Old Wright Shop Road in Madison Heights, Virginia with the Rabbi John R. Nimon officiating. A reception will immediately follow at Agudath Sholom Synagogue on Langhorne Road in Lynchburg. All are welcome to come and celebrate his life.
The family requests that those wishing to express their appreciation, in lieu of flowers, make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.michaeljfox.org/).
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Madison Heights, is assisting the family. To send condolences please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.