Tennessee Orthopaedic Society Mourns the Loss of Dr. Perry Merrill White, III
The Tennessee Orthopaedic Society is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Perry Merrill White, III, a long-standing and esteemed member of TOS and the medical community. Dr. White passed away on May 8, 2024, in Knoxville, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and excellence in orthopaedic care.
Born on March 20, 1952, in Houston, TX, Merrill was the son of Dr. and Mrs. Perry Merrill White Jr. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Furman University on an Army ROTC scholarship, where he met and married his beloved wife, Janet Collier White. After graduating from Furman, Merrill attended the Medical College of Georgia, completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University, and undertook a spine fellowship at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia.
During his medical training and active military duty, Merrill and Janet welcomed three children: Robert, Bryan, and Helen. The White family eventually made their home in Knoxville, TN, where Merrill spent the past 30 years. Throughout his career, Merrill served in various leadership roles within the Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) and the broader orthopaedic community, establishing himself as a distinguished spine surgeon. After retiring from surgery, he became the Medical Director for TOA, dedicating six years to supporting the practice.
Beyond his professional achievements, Merrill and Janet shared a love for travel, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. In recent years, Merrill devoted himself to mission work through Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church, participating in clean water initiatives with Living Waters for the World and medical missions to Guatemala with Porch de Salomon. His quiet leadership, work ethic, and intellect significantly impacted the lives of many both locally and internationally.
Merrill's memory will be cherished by his family and community. He is survived by his wife Janet; their children Robert (Parker), Bryan (Erin), and Helen (Thomas); his siblings Lynnette White, Kathy Long (Hank), and David White (Sharon); and his beloved grandchildren Avery, Perrin, Coco, Georgia, and Gwynnie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine Freeman White and Perry Merrill White, Jr.
The Tennessee Orthopaedic Society extends its deepest gratitude to the nurses, surgeons, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and staff of the Parkwest Critical Care Unit for their compassionate care and support.
Dr. Perry Merrill White, III will be remembered for his remarkable contributions to orthopaedics, his unwavering devotion to his family, and his enduring impact on both local and global communities.
