Duane Kevin White, age 60, passed away on July 23, 2025, in Franklin, North Carolina, after courageously battling cancer for the past year. He was born on December 15, 1964, in Columbus, Ohio (Franklin County), the son of Kenneth Floyd White (deceased) and Betty June White, now 93, of Gadsden, Alabama. Shortly after his birth, Duane traveled with his family to the mission field in South Vietnam. During the 1968 Tet Offensive, the White family returned to the United States, eventually settling in Daniels, West Virginia. During Duane's school years, his father accepted a pastoral position in Asheville, North Carolina, where Duane completed his primary education. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from West Virginia Tech (now WVU Tech).

After graduation, Duane lived in several places across the country, including Charleston, West Virginia; Cleveland, Ohio; Jacksonville, Florida; Rio Rancho, New Mexico; and ultimately settled in Franklin, North Carolina, where he made his home in recent years.

He is survived by his mother, Betty June White, 93, of Gadsden, Alabama; two brothers, Kenneth David "Dave" White (Dawn) of Tualatin, Oregon, and Bryan Alan White (Leslie) of Rainbow City, Alabama. He is also survived by his former wife, Jane Ann of Charleston, West Virginia; his children: Seth White (Heidi) of Franklin, North Carolina; Autumn White-Regenass (Teddie) of Sylva, North Carolina; and Noah White of Franklin, North Carolina.

Duane leaves behind a loving extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins and other relatives, along with countless friends and acquaintances, who will miss him dearly.

People were naturally drawn to Duane for his easygoing, loving spirit, his laugh, and his generous heart—often too generous. His presence left a mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Duane had a deep love for the outdoors and the arts. He enjoyed cycling and hiking the trails around his home and found joy in music, especially through playing the bass guitar. He was a proud member of the Discover Church Praise Band, where his musical gifts were a meaningful part of worship. He absolutely loved playing with the praise band, they were his extended family.

A lifelong football enthusiast and devoted Rams fan, Duane especially cherished the game, both as a fan and a player. He played as a tough and determined defensive nose tackle throughout high school and continued his football career at the collegiate level with the West Virginia Tech Golden Bears (NAIA Division).

Duane was a people person, never meeting a stranger and he was always ready to share a joke. He had a deep love for the people in his life and for everyone who crossed his path. Duane was a man of God, known for helping others without hesitation— opening his home to friends and family, lending a hand to those in need, and living as both a servant and a protector. He never met a stranger, and his generous heart left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life service for Duane is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at Discover Church in Franklin, North Carolina. Friends, family, and loved ones are invited to join in honoring Duane's life, his faith, and the countless lives he touched.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.