Gerald McLain White

One of eight children, Gerald was born on April 3, 1930 in Charlotte to the late William Lee White and Beulah Skidmore White.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Gerald’s father moved their family to Taunton, MA for a job opportunity when Gerald was young. Despite their southern roots, they fit right in to New England and Gerald had many fond memories of that time. He particularly enjoyed sailing around Martha’s Vineyard with his friends and playing football for Taunton High School, where he graduated in 1949.

Following high school, Gerald returned to NC after being accepted into the Engineering Program at NC State University, where he focused on Metallurgical Engineering. His college education was interrupted, however, when he enlisted in the US Air Force. Gerald trained at Hondo Air Force Base in south Texas and served in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he returned to NC State and, with the help of the G.I. Bill, graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in 1960.

Right out of college, Gerald went to work for Douglas Aircraft, and worked for several other notable companies throughout his career, including WLW Machine Shop and Industrial Piping. In the early 1980s, he joined his friend John Ward at John’s new business, Ward Tank Corporation, where he worked his way up to Vice President. Although Gerald officially retired in his 80s, he continued to be actively involved in the business for the remainder of his life.

In 2015, Gerald’s engineering success and expertise was honored when he was inducted into the NC State Engineering Hall of Fame.

In his leisure, Gerald enjoyed Wolfpack Football, gardening (especially tomatoes), studying the capital markets, and all things mechanical.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy White; daughter, Amber White; sister, Carolyn Grolman; and countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Beulah White; son, Austin “Skeet” White; sisters, Evelyn Black, Louise Helms, and Gilda Brissie; and brothers, Harold White and James White.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 12:00pm until 1:00pm on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at Forest Lawn West Funeral Home, 4601 Freedom Drive in Charlotte.

The funeral service is to be conducted at 1:00pm, immediately following the visitation, in the Paul Helton Chapel, where Rev. Dr. Harry Workman is to officiate.

The burial will conclude the services in Forest Lawn West Cemetery.

The White family will be receiving friends at Aldersgate for a reception following all formal services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gerald M. & Nancy A. White Scholarship Endowment at NC State to benefit students enrolled in the Material Sciences Engineering Department.