Charles L. “Pete” White, Sr., 95, of Hardyville, passed away at his home on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, while playing with his dog, Kiera, in the backyard.

He was born in Mathews County and resided there most of his life. He served in the Merchant Marine during World War II, and spent the majority of his career with the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton. A shipbuilder by training he worked at various roles at Langley and completed his career there with responsibility for all the crane and major overhead door equipment at the Center.

He was a member of Gwynn’s Island Baptist Church for many years where he and others carried out a major renovation of the aging building. He was a proud longtime Mason, serving as District Grand Master. He was also member of Oriental Lodge #20, Mathews, Donovan Lodge #75, Deltaville, Urbanna Royal Arch #59, and Pen-Neck Commandery #33.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Becky Carson White; her children, Caron Sterling and husband Chris, Catherine Ann Cridlin and husband Wayne; step-grandchildren, Hazel Rose Sterling, James and Chris Kemp and Trey Whisenant. He is also survived by his children, Charles L. White Jr. and wife Jeanne, Jamie Callis and husband Richard, Greg White and wife Carolyn; grandchildren, Jennifer and Scott Friend, Casey White, Lee White, Jared White and Ricky Callis; great-grandchildren, Jackson Friend, Ryan Friend, and Addison Friend.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 61 years, Amy Jenkins White.

The family received friends on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017, at Gwynn’s Island Baptist Church at 2 p.m. A memorial service and a Masonic service followed at 3 o’clock. Interment was a private service with family at Gwynn’s Island Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gwynn’s Island Baptist, P.O. Box 26, Gwynn, Va. 23066. 

Faulkner Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, assisted the White family.