Promoted to Glory: Major John White
Major John White was Promoted to Glory on September 11, 2026, at the age of 82.
John Frederick White was born on December 30, 1943, in Houston, TX, to Frank and Francis White. As a young musician, he attended The Salvation Army’s Territorial Music Institute at Camp Grandview where he accepted Jesus as his Savior on August 28, 1958.
A year later, he responded to the call of God on his life to become a Salvation Army officer. He was ordained and commissioned on June 5, 1954, as a member of the Proclaimers of the Faith session of cadets.
During his ministry, he served first as an assistant corps officer and later as corps officer in 14 communities throughout the Georgia, North & South Carolina, Florida, Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi, National Capital & Virginia, Texas, and Florida Divisions. He also served twice in positions at the Southern Territorial Headquarters in Atlanta.
His calling also led him to serve overseas, twice at the Brazil Territorial Headquarters and at Command Headquarters in Portugal.
Brass bands were a large part of Major John’s ministry. He played euphonium in the Southern Territorial Band for 25 years and was appointed as the Divisional Youth Bandmaster in four of the divisions in which he served. In 2025, the North & South Carolina Division named one of its Music Camp bands in his honor. He led corps bands at the Miami Hialeah, Jackson, MS, and Lisbon, Portugal corps.
He wrote four seminars published by The Salvation Army: Holysport; The Army on Time; Prayer Warriors—Steps to Prayer; and As Your Money Burns.
Major John’s life verse was Colossians 1:18, "And (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church; Who is the beginning, the firstborn of the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.”
The major retired on January 1, 2010, having faithfully served for over 43 years.
Major John White is preceded in death by his parents; a stepfather, Tom Woodward; one brother, Frank White, Jr.; and a sister-in-law, Patricia White.
He is survived by one brother, Edward White; one sister, Kay (Randy) Gish; three nieces; and two nephews. He also leaves many beloved great-nieces and nephews and one great-great-niece.
A Celebration of Life is to be held on October 3, 2026, at The Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Augusta, GA. A private burial was held at Westover Memorial Park.