The Beacon in Spartanburg
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SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) -- John B. White Sr., founder of Spartanburg's iconic Beacon Drive-In, has died.
Manager Steve Duncan said White died at Mary Black Hospital in Spartanburg on Sunday at age 89.
White founded the restaurant in 1946 and operated it until he retired in 1998 and sold the business to brothers-in-law Sam Maw and Steve McManus.
The restaurant is famous for its sweet iced tea and "a-plenty" plates that feature sandwiches topped with french fries and onion rings.
It's also a regular stop on campaign trails for politicians.
White was known for his charity work and part of the street where the restaurant is located was renamed John B. White Sr. Boulevard in 1998. He also received the Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest civilian award, in 1996.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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