Thomas Baxter White

Thomas Baxter White passed away unexpectedly after a short illness in Spartanburg, SC, on March 26, 2026. Tom is the husband of Jean Fox White and father to Cesilie White Cleland (Sam) and Suzanne Hollifield White, and grandfather to Joshua Thomas Cleland.

Born on May 15, 1942, to Leonard Baxter and Lois White in Charlotte, NC, he graduated from Garinger High School and attended Wingate College before leaving to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. After an honorable discharge, he began working in Charlotte, NC, where he met the love of his life and bride of almost 60 years, Jean Ann Fox White. Married in 1966, Tom and Jean lived in Charlotte, NC, Hickory, NC, and then Lancaster, SC, where Tom worked as the Executive of the Chamber of Commerce from 1976 until his retirement in 2007.

His years in the Chamber of Commerce led to visits with many high profile dignitaries, many trips and conferences for the NC/SC Association of Chamber Executives, and the development of many relationships with business and community leaders over the years. Tom was well respected as a leader in the business community and in the community as a whole. He was active in his churches, Rotary International where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow, the Lancaster County Golf Club and later the SC Association of Senior Golfers. He and Jean spent many great times at church events, bridge clubs, tennis clubs, and the Lancaster Cotillion Club.

During the last several years of his life, after moving to Spartanburg, SC, he was a caregiver for his beloved wife, Jean, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. He lived his marriage vows daily and was an example of quiet strength, steadfast love and a man who provided for and protected his family. His family will continue to live out his example daily of steadfast love.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his younger siblings, Donald M. White and Dean W. Caldwell.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am – 12:45 pm, Friday, April 3, 2026, at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main S., Spartanburg, SC 29307

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, April 3, 2026, at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel with burial to follow at 2:00 pm in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Services will be conducted by Dr. Bert Welch.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg – Saturate fund in memory of Tom White.

Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel