Charles Ray White FORT WORTH, Texas – Charles Ray White passed away peacefully to join the love of his life, Maxine, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, with his family by his side. A private family graveside service with full military honors was held in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Camden Military Academy, 520 Hwy. 1 North, Camden, SC 29020 or The WARM Place, 809 Lipscomb St., Fort Worth, TX 76104. Ray was born Sept. 27, 1924, in Hartsville, S.C., to William Henry and Alma White. His family moved to Florence, S.C., where he graduated from Florence High School. Although not big enough to play football, Ray showcased his fighting spirit by excelling as captain of the boxing team. After graduation Ray hitchhiked all over the state, but he usually ended up at the beach where his buddies and he would “shag” until the wee hours of the morning. It was there that he met his future bride, Macky. His time with Macky was cut short as World War II intervened. Ray and his best friend decided to join the Marines, but there was a slight problem. Ray was color blind. Not to be denied, Ray memorized the color chart with the help of his friend and passed the induction exam. He often joked about his second thoughts while enduring the training at Paris Island. Ray’s experience with the Marine Corps would be the crucible that would guide the trajectory of his life. He was assigned to the 4th Marine Division and served with it during some of the fiercest campaigns in the Pacific. He received a Purple Heart for wounds received on Iwo Jima and a Bronze Star. Like many of his generation, he rarely spoke about his experiences. Upon returning home, Ray wasted little time taking care of some unfinished business. He married Macky on Jan. 17, 1946 – a marriage that would last for almost 70 years. He also enrolled and received his degree from the University of South Carolina. While there he attended classes, joined the boxing team and worked at night to support his new family. Ray was offered and accepted a commission in the U.S. Army upon graduation, a decision that would take his family to places never imagined over the next 20 years. After a very successful career, Ray retired and continued his military experience as the assistant headmaster of Camden Military Academy. His years at CMA were some of the most enjoyable and memorable. During that time he influenced and touched the lives of hundreds of cadets who attended the school. Stories abound about how uncanny Col. White was in uncovering the pranks that the cadets dreamed up. It never occurred to them that he had experienced most of their escapades when he was a young man. After his full retirement, and prior to their return to Murrells Inlet, S.C., Ray and Macky made an RV their home and spent the next 14 years traveling to nearly every state in the country. Their final move was to Texas to be near family. Ray will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue through those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him. Survivors: children, Steve White and wife, Linda, Jim White and fiancee, Kathy, Pam MacCutcheon and husband, Rick; grandchildren, Kristin, Jeff, Tamara, James, Melissa, Andy, Michael, Steven and Joanna; great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Austin and Molly; sister-in-law, Johnnie Brown; brother-in-law, Sonny Husband. Thompson’s Harveson & Cole Funeral Home and Crematory 817-336-0345

Published in The State on Oct. 30, 2016