John B. White Jr. Thanksgiving Message
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As we gather around the table with family and friends, we are reminded of the cherished tradition of Thanksgiving—a day set aside to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives and to reflect on the true meaning of the season. Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate the connections we hold dear, to remember our shared values, and to acknowledge the kindness and generosity that brings us all closer together.
This holiday season, let us celebrate the blessings we so often take for granted: the comfort of family, the warmth of friendship, the support of community, and the opportunities to learn and grow with each new day. It is a day to pause from our busy lives and to remember the importance of giving thanks for these gifts, both big and small, that bring light to our lives.
It is with deep gratitude and a touch of sadness that we announce the conclusion of the Abernathy-White Christmas Eve Breakfast. For more than six decades, this annual event has been a cornerstone of the Spartanburg community—a time when differences were set aside, and friendships were celebrated over a shared meal during the most meaningful time of the year. However, as the saying goes, "All good things must come to an end."
More than sixty years ago, two prominent Spartanburg citizens, John B. White, Sr., founder of the Beacon Drive-In, and Warren Abernathy, Senior Advisor to Senator Strom Thurmond, created this gathering. What started as a modest breakfast at the Beacon Restaurant brought together members of the community, regardless of political affiliation or background, to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and the promise of a new year.
As time went on, the event grew far beyond its humble beginnings, drawing hundreds of guests to what became one of Spartanburg’s most anticipated annual traditions. In the late 1990s, the breakfast outgrew the Beacon Restaurant and relocated to the Marriott Hotel’s ballroom in downtown Spartanburg, where it continued to flourish. After the passing of Mr. White and Mr. Abernathy, we, alongside Marsha & Jimmy Gibbs and The Talley Law Firm, P.A., were honored to carry the torch and continue hosting the event in their memory.
Over the years, the Abernathy-White Christmas Eve Breakfast has become not only a celebration of the season but also a chance to give back to our community. In addition to the fellowship, we have raised thousands of dollars for local charities, supporting causes that reflect the spirit of giving embodied by John B. White, Sr., and Warren Abernathy. Each year, we proudly recognized a representative from a local charity, ensuring that the tradition not only honored its founders but also made a tangible difference in the lives of others. Each year, we also awarded the Abernathy-White Humanitarian Award to a member of our community who has made a significant impact, further celebrating those who embody the values of service, generosity, and compassion that this event has come to represent.
As we bring this chapter to a close, we want to express our sincere appreciation to all who have participated, supported, and embraced this tradition over the years. Your contributions, friendship, and community spirit have made the Abernathy-White Christmas Eve Breakfast a truly special event. Though the breakfast may no longer continue, the legacy of love, friendship, and giving that John B. White, Sr., and Warren Abernathy established will remain in our hearts, and we encourage everyone to carry forward that spirit in their own way.
Thank you for being a part of this beautiful journey.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving filled with warmth, joy, and endless gratitude.
John B. White Jr.
Blog Post Written By Attorney John B. White Jr,
John’s legal career spans 40 years and has resulted in hundreds of jury trials with numerous verdicts and successful settlements, including a $327 million jury verdict* against Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals in 2011. John was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster as Chairman of the Board of the South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank in 2017, and he has been named a South Carolina Super Lawyer in criminal defense from 2008 through 2023. In 2020, the University of South Carolina School of Law presented John with the Platinum Compleat Lawyer Award. John also serves on the state’s chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the American Association for Justice, as well as in leadership positions on numerous boards and legal associations across the state of South Carolina.
*Any result the lawyer may have achieved on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.*Any result the lawyer may have achieved on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.
