Thomas Ray White, age 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on February 5, 1933, in Whitwell, Tennessee, Thomas was the son of the late Rev. Elbert L. White and Matilda White. An exceptional student, he was the salutatorian of his graduating class at Whitwell High School in 1953. He continued his education at Carson-Newman College before earning his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis in June 1960. He completed his internship at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga.

Following his internship, Dr. White entered private practice in Kingsport, Tennessee, before returning to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville to complete his residency in anesthesiology. In 1972, he joined the staff at Maury Regional Hospital, where he practiced anesthesiology for 25 years. He was the first anesthesiologist at Maury Regional and served as Chief of Surgery department. He then retired in June 1997. During his distinguished career, he also served as Chief of Staff at Maury Regional Hospital in 1977. In 1964, he was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Edward T. Breathitt in recognition of his service and contributions.

Outside of his medical career, Thomas found great joy in spending time outdoors with his wife, Jane. Together they shared a love of fly fishing and enjoyed many memorable trips to Montana and the White River in Arkansas.

Thomas is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Jane White; his son, S. Ray White; grandsons, Justin Lafayette White and Levi Bratton; great grandson, Banks Bratton; sister-in-law, Jannice Kay Ford; along with several loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth Ann White.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the First United Methodist Church Ramp Building Program or to the Bruce Strother Sunday School Class, 222 West 7th Street, Columbia, Tennessee 38401.

Active pallbearers will be Justin White, Levi Bratton, Rev. David Burgess, Joey Burgess, Mack Holt, Jack Sims, and Bill Walter. Honorary pallbearers will include members of the Bruce Strother Sunday School Class and retired physicians in Columbia.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee. A celebration of life for Thomas will be held on Thursday at 11:00AM at the First United Methodist Church in Columbia, Tennessee. A private family committal service will be held at a later date.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family at williamsfh.com.