William "Bill" White was born to James and Dorothy McBride White on April 28, 1921 in Anderson, South Carolina. His childhood was spent in South Carolina and later Florida. He graduated from Broward High School in Miami, FL in 1940 and enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps on April 4, 1942. Well suited to the military, Bill caught the attention of a senior officer who decided the young man was a fitting candidate for flight school. Upon completion of flight training, "Red" as he was known to his buddies, was assigned to the 313th Pursuit Squadron, 50th Fighter Group. After training in Florida and Mississippi, the squadron deployed for service in the European Theater of Operations in March of 1944. On D-Day the 313 helped to provide the air cover over the invasion beachheads. During the course of his career, "Wild Bill" flew the P-38 Lightning, P-40 Warhawk, P-51 D Mustang, and his favorite, the P-47 Thunderbolt. He later broke the sound barrier in a F-86 Saber Jet, thus joining the Mach Busters Club. He received numerous citations and commendations, including the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star and several Distinguished Unit Citations. Stationed briefly at Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Bill responded to a newspaper ad for golf clubs for sale by a base colonel. In the bargain, he ended up not only with the colonel's golf clubs, but the colonel's secretary as well. Bill married the former Roselyn Weber on October 1, 1949 at the Randolph Chapel. The young Air Force officer and his bride embarked on new adventures together, with the couple stationed in Orlando, FL, Selma, AL, Victoria, TX, Wilmington, DE, and Sioux City, IA. Their most treasured souvenirs from this time were their two daughters, Tern (born while the couple was stationed in Selma) and Shauna (born while stationed in Victoria). Bill retired from the United States Air Force as a Major in 1962. The family returned to Hondo and purchased the original Dairy Kreme from Bru and Frances Miller. Rather than taking orders from commanding officers, Bill now found himself taking different kinds of orders... orders for "sissy" burgers, nickel cones, and M&M sundaes. Bill relished the opportunity to spend quality time with the members of his adopted hometown, and he developed a special relationship with his customers and employees. The burgers and shakes might have cost you, but the ear to listen and advice were always free. He loved to offer a helping hand to those in need, and later returned to a military service of sorts, working as an agent for USAA in San Antonio. Bill later found himself retired again, now with time to spend on honey-dos for Roselyn and taking fishing trips with his brothers-in-law. He and Roselyn enjoyed traveling, with the highlight of each year being the annual Rockport vacation with their grandchildren Staci, Cody, Erin, and Freddy. Weekend visits with Sweet ol' Bear meant the grandkids had the opportunity to satisfy their cravings for his famous "Bear Burgers". He also enjoyed video recording their many school and sports activities and the family's holiday celebrations. Bill passed from this world on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012 at the age of 91. He is preceded in death by his mother Dorothy McBride Langston, his father James White, his stepfather James Langston, his grandson Sgt. William Cody Eckhart, and his loyal golden retrievers. Bill is survived by his bride of 63 years, Roselyn Weber White; his daughters and sons-in-laws Tern and Ronnie Eckhart of Rocksprings and Shauna and Bob Cook of Con Can; his grandchildren Staci Eckhart Schoenfeldt and her husband Shad of Fort Stockton, Erin McComb and her husband Kasey of Alpine, and Freddy Huser and his wife Madison of Austin. He is also survived by great-grandchildren James, Cody, Eli, and Kendall. Visitation, from 2 to 3 p.m., will be followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25, at First United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section. The casket carriers were Galen Weber, Ben Weber, Jimmy Weber, Kurt Weber, Eddie Cheatle, Will Weber, David Weber. The family suggests memorials may be made to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036, or the charity of one's choice.