John B. White Sr. owned and founded the world-famous Beacon Drive-In and led it from 1946 until his retirement in 1998. He was regarded in Spartanburg as an extraordinary person whose character was beyond reproach, whose generosity was boundless, and whose many kindnesses reached widely. Recognized as a quintessential entrepreneur, he was held up as an example both personally and professionally. A devout Christian, he worked tirelessly for the betterment of Spartanburg County and its citizens, volunteering his time and resources to make it a better place to live, work, and play. He received the Order of the Palmetto, and his many civic contributions were remembered as legendary.