Charles Marlin White
01/17/1928 - 01/07/2013


Charles Marlin White, a longtime resident of New Providence, NJ passed away on January 7th, 10 days before his 85th birthday. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 58 years, Sarah Hancock White and is survived by his children and their spouses, Sarah C White (Charles Kalmanek), Carolyn McGhee (Tim), and Charles Marlin White, Jr. (Melanie). He is also survived by four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.


Marlin was born in 1928 in Rockmart, Georgia to Charles Walter and Lenora Simerville White. He excelled as an honors student and Eagle Scout. After graduating from Rockmart High School in 1946, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he achieved the rank of sergeant and was commended as a sharpshooter.


Marlin enrolled at Georgia Tech in 1948 where he studied chemical engineering. To pay for education he joined ROTC and became a captain in the US Army Reserves. He was awarded a fellowship to pursue graduate degrees. In 1956 Marlin completed his doctoral studies and received his PhD.


Upon graduation, Marlin was hired by Exxon and held various positions across the organization. Throughout his career he received numerous patents primarily for work on polymers. He retired in 1986 from the Exxon Research Florham Park office after 31 years of service.


In retirement, Marlin pursued numerous avocations including genealogy and archeology. Marlin and Sarah went to Jordan many times where they assisted in an archeological dig at an Early Bronze Age site. The dig team made significant findings, adding to the excitement of living in the Middle East.


Marlin’s keen interest in history also led him to trace his family back to early 17th century Virginia. He was awarded memberships in The Jamestowne Society and The Sons of the American Revolution. Not one to neglect his community, Marlin joined Sarah in Outreach and service to the parish at St Andrews Episcopal Church.


Marlin’s life was the epitome of a life well lived. He will be missed dearly by friends and family. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at St Andrews Episcopal Church in New Providence, NJ on Saturday March 23rd at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Andrew’s Church Memorial Fund, 419 South Street, New Providence, NJ 07974.


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