John White, Sr. affectionately known to all who met him as "Big John", founded White Armature Works, Inc. in the basement of his home in 1952.  Evenings would often find him rewinding armatures with his wife, Barbara Jean, sitting on a stool next to him and listening  to the events of his day.  Over the years as the company grew, White Armature Works established a reputation as a high quality electric motor repair shop for the surrounding Appalachian Coal mines.  The father of two children, John White II, and Elizabeth White Songer, he became known to many throughout West Virginia as a successful businessman.  Big John's leadership ability was recognized by many different organizations both in and outside the electric motor industry and he was often sought out to assist them in various capacities.  A "past president" of the WV Chapter of EASA, member of the Man High School Hall of Fame, President of the Trustee Board of the Bruce-McDonald United Methodist Church, and a major supporter of Virginia Tech, Marshall, and West Virginia Universities, John White Sr. lived up to the name given to him by others as..."Big John".

"Big John" left us to go to his "Heavenly Home" on August 15th, 2007, leaving behind a most cherished memory.

Two of the many "loves of his life", his wife, Barbara Jean of 53 years and fishing, especially with his Grandchildren!

John White Sr.

(Founder of White Armature Works, Inc.)

1926  -  2007

 One of the natural thoughts that comes to mind when a "loved one" that we knew and loved so much passes on is...."what did he do with his dash"?

In a simple word...."plenty"!