Bill J. White, 93 , of El Paso, was reunited with his better half, Loretta, on the morning of August 17th, just as the long awaited rains fell from heavenly clouds of El Paso's Desert Mountain Skies. Only five days after we gathered with him to say goodbye and celebrate Loretta's abundant life.
Bill came to El Paso as a young child in the middle of the Great Depression. He was forced to become a tough and a fearless fighter and many were surprised to learn he grew up in an isolated poor white family in one of the poorest housing projects. His mother claimed Bill had to become a man at 13, as he always protected his two younger brothers from the violence of the surrounding neighborhood. In addition, he took on and maintained various jobs from a very young age.
He graduated from El Paso High School, honorably served his country in the United States Army, then attended Texas Western College. Bill went on to serve as a firefighter in the El Paso Fire Department where he retired as District Fire Chief in 1982.
He married his ever-beautiful wife, Loretta ( Teague ) of Truth or Consequences on September 2, 1954.
Bill was always a true first responder whenever needed by family, friends or strangers, and hero to the people of El Paso and those he served in his life-saving profession. He was a hard worker. He sincerely and humbly bowed in prayer, though not a regular in church. Like many of those of the "Greatest Generation", he was modest, and was a man of few words, unless he perhaps had a beer or Cuba Libre with one of his many old firemen buddies or friends like Bob Herndon, Filipe Castillo, Willie Terrazas, Dick Haas, or Rick Zambrano. On occasion, he might also sing or dance with Loretta to his favorite Nat King Cole classic.
As a man and a father, he was uniquely capable of conveying a very deep and affectionate connection in complete silence without uttering a single word for hundreds of miles or for hours of work. His expressive eyes or a simple head nod could express a message of real respect and love that a man or son could feel and understand at a level far deeper than many "I love you's" expressed by rote. And though converted by the majority of "huggers" later in his stoic life, a real handshake was always at the ready.
Upon his grandson's request for some parting wisdom "Grandpa Bill" imparted these last words of wisdom before the final farewell flight, " Play it cool, maintain your contacts, and I'll look you up if I'm ever in London."
He was preceded in passing by his loving wife, Loretta, also his beloved mother Violet ( Martin) White, her husband Dorsey White, and his beloved brother Frank. He is survived by his most appreciative and loving sons Wesley ( wife Gay) and Ronald ( wife Melissa ), granddaughter Taryn Jones ( husband Danny) of Golden, Colorado, and grandsons Randall White of El Paso, and Brandon White( wife Sarah) of London England, his beloved brother Jerry ( wife Annette ) of Henderson, Nevada, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
A celebration of Life and Love accompanied by US Military and Fire Department honors will be held at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery on Friday, September 2nd at 11 AM. Bill and Loretta 's Wedding Anniversary Day will also be celebrated with the reuniting and returning of their ashes to the earth. A luncheon will be held immediately afterwards at Leo's Mexican Restaurant at 7520 Remcon. In lieu of flowers, donations to Tunnels to Towers and Wounded Warriors Project are appreciated. Ceremony will be livestreamed. For more information, call Martin Funeral Home West (915) 584-1234, 128 Resler Dr., El Paso 79912
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the White family.
