Billy White

Billy H. White was born on September 27, 1928 in Memphis Tennessee. He died at approximately 10:10 PM Friday June 9th, 2017 at his daughter’s residence in Palmdale, CA. He was 88 years old. After graduating from high school he served in the U.S. Navy for four years and then served in the U.S. Air Force for an additional 24 years. He was the last man to wish Gary Powers a safe flight as he assisted him into the cock pit on his ill-fated U-2 flight which resulted in his aircraft being shot down over Russia in 1960. “Bill” retired on September 1, 1973 at Edwards Air Force Base where he rose to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He was instrumental in leading the Physiological Support Division which was responsible for all Pressure Suit Support development for projects such as the XB-70 and YF-12. His favorite aircraft was the SR-71. Upon discharge from the service, he spent an additional 20 years as a postal carrier in the US Postal Service in Lancaster, CA. He enjoyed a quiet life of gardening after his retirement. His wife Earline passed on April 5, 2006. He is survived by his daughter Julie and her husband John Denning, his son Mark, and his two grandsons, Wesley (US Army, stationed in South Korea) and Brennan Blake. Arrangements are being handled by the Chapel of the Valley Mortuary in Palmdale, CA. Services will be private.