Obituary of Ralph White

Ralph Junior White, known to many friends and family as "99" or "Whitey", departed this life on June 13, 2017 at the age of 88. He was born September 28, 1928 in Adrian, WV, son of the late Ted and Ella Rowan White. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by, a son, Gary Loudin and two sisters Lucille Gould and Carolyn Petrice. Ralph is survived by a special nephew and best friend, Danny Gould and wife Diana of Adrian; one niece, Ginger Gould Iden and husband Robert of Nitro, WV; one nephew, Michael Petrice and wife Lisa of Virginia Beach, VA and Carla Petrice Fisher and husband Rocky of Broadway, Va. Mr. White joined the United States Army in November of 1950. He served as a Heavy Weapons Infantryman, an Assistant Gunner on 4.2 Mortar, and a Marksman. Ralph completed Basic Airborne Infantry Parachutist school at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was a qualified Paratrooper. He was in the Support Company 503d Airborne Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, and the Company C 33d Armored Combat Command Battalion Warfare. From November 8-30, 1952, Mr. White was a part of a huge Army-Air Force Artic Maneuver called "OPERATION WARM WIND", with The Troop Movement called "OPERATION LONG HAUL." Members of the 503d Airborne Regimental Combat Team of the 11th Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, KY, made the trip to Alaska to give soldiers and airman experience in the defense of Alaska. Before beginning each man received a thorough arctic indoctrination to familiarize him with techniques of survival in the extreme cold. This operation was the largest and longest airlift of men in history. He was honorably discharged from the Army on April 9th, 1957 having served 7 years. He was honored and very proud to serve his country, he held many fond memories of his time served. After leaving the Army, Ralph was a miner for Badger Coal Company. He was a member of the United Mine Workers and a member of the American Legion. "99" was a "One of a Kind" man making him 100%. Friends will be received Saturday, June 17, 2017 from 11AM to 1PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1PM at the funeral home with the Rev. Wease Day officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Hinkleville, WV. The Upshur County Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the graveside. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.