C. Noel White, Rev. Dr.

Rev. Dr. C. Noel White, 85, of Nicholasville, Kentucky, passed away on September 11, 2024. Noel was born in Berea, Kentucky, on December 18, 1938, to the late Rev. Dr. C. Nevil White and Ethel Eversole White. Noel is survived by his college sweetheart and favorite person Betty Jane White and their two children, Mary Jane White (Katherine Woods) of Lexington, Ky and John Noel White (Lori) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. He is also survived by his three grandchildren: Jenna, Laurel, and Daniel White, his sister Augusta Jane Kidd and several nieces and nephews.

Noel is a graduate of Danville High School, Union College, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Lexington Theological Seminary where he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree. Noel began his career at the YMCA in Kettering, Ohio where he as a Program Director. He felt called to the ministry and served United Methodist Churches in Kentucky for 25 years; was senior pastor at Shiloh Church in Dayton, Ohio, for 5 years, where the service was televised in Southwestern Ohio and in Eastern Kentucky; and he served as President of Penney Retirement community in Florida for 12 years. Never fully retiring he continued to serve churches in San Mateo, Florida, Tell City, Indiana, and in Irvine, KY until the age of 85.

A terrific athlete, Noel played basketball and ran track at Union College, where he was undefeated in the 100 and 220 yard dashes for at least one season. He remained active throughout his life playing tennis, golf, ping pong, and backyard basketball games with his children where he created games for them to play. Noel appreciated all kinds of music and was able to play several songs on the piano by memory. He would also frequently sing solos during his sermons with Betty Jane as his accompanist. An avid reader, Noel could be found in his office surrounded by thousands of books he gathered throughout the years. He wrote three books after “retirement,” which highlight the impact of storytelling as well as basketball analogies which can be applied to relationships and daily living. Noel loved to travel and took the family on several excursions across the country as well as overseas in which he did a ministry exchange in Gloucester, England. He and Betty Jane also traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Alaska and most recently France.

Noel’s life is marked by the infinite Christian influence he has had on many, and his belief that the way to a meaningful life is through being compassionate to others. His outgoing personality, infectious smile, and inquisitive nature let everyone know their story matters.

A funeral service will be held at 11 o’clock am on September 27, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church, 200 W High St. Lexington, KY 40507. A reception will follow at the church. A private burial will take place at the Lexington Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions may be made in honor of C. Noel White to: Bit of Faith Ranch, assisting individuals with autism and related disabilities bitoffaithranch.org, Easterseals Bluegrass, assisting children and adults with disabilities eastersealsbg.org, or Lexington Rescue Mission, assisting the homeless population lexingtonrescue.org.