David White, who has lived in the Farragut area for over 70 years, was recently elected Ward 2 (South Ward) alderman. He was part of the community before the town of Farragut existed, and he’s looking forward to having a role in town government.
“It will be very interesting,” he says.
He grew up in an era where hard work was expected from every member of the family. He was one of seven children, and he recalls walking with his mother to Noce’s General Store so he could ride the school bus and she could catch a bus to her job in the Bearden area.
He can’t remember how many places he’s lived in the Farragut area.
“I used to tell people that we moved every time the rent was due,” he says with a laugh.
David and his girlfriend, Sandy, graduated from Farragut High School in 1964. He was the captain of the football team and she was co-captain of the cheerleaders, so naturally, they were named Mr. and Miss Farragut High School. (See their portrait above.) They were married in 1966.
He worked as a machinist at Y-12 in Oak Ridge for 17 years, then took a job with a local developer. He spent 13 years developing shopping centers before starting his own business as a general contractor. He retired after working for himself for 24 years.
David and Sandy had three children, and they now have three grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
Wendy Smith is PR and marketing coordinator for the town of Farragut.