John "Checkers" White III

September 1, 1948 - January 22, 2017

John Cephas “Checkers” White III of Matthews, NC passed away unexpectedly from an aggressive form of cancer on Sunday, January, 22nd 2017. He died at Carolinas Medical Center with family and friends by his side. John was born in Charlotte, NC to John C. White Jr and Katherine Simms White on September, 1st 1948. He graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1966 where he excelled in golf, wrestling and baseball. He continued his education at Wingate and Baptist College of Charleston. John spent most of his career at American Red Cross where he served in many roles, including many years as a product service coordinator. This role allowed him to support regional hospitals with the blood and platelet needs to serve their patients. After retiring, he became part of the maintenance team at Pine Lake Country Club. Checkers loved many things in his life, especially his wife, daughter and family. Live music and beautiful mornings on the golf course were some of his favorite times and places. A native Charlottean, he had accrued a huge circle of friends over his lifetime. Checkers married Cheryl Cummings White on May 1st 1981. They were married for 35 years and lived together in Matthews. He is survived by his wife and one daughter, Melissa Cummings Peterson, with her husband Thomas of Morrison, Colorado. Other surviving family members include his loving sisters, Alison White Bozeman with her husband Tony of North Carolina, and Katherine “Kay” White Slattery with her husband Michael of Caldwell, NJ, niece Julie Slattery Balsamo with her husband Phil of New Jersey, and nephews John Slattery with his wife Holly of Connecticut and Michael Slattery with his wife Christine of New Jersey. His family would like to thank the wonderful staff of CMC-Mercy, Levine Cancer Center, and CMC- Main who all helped him be as comfortable as possible in his last days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the America Red Cross in his name. Following the service, the family would like to invite everyone to a gathering at the Comet Grill at 22224 Park Rd. Charlotte, NC. All are welcome!