Photo courtesy of Hillcrest Funeral Home Burial Park & Cremations - San Antonio
Sep 18, 1955 - Oct 27, 2025
He was a great man, mentor, and friend. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Hanshi Richard Brown
November 17, 2025 | San Antonio, TX | Friend
A former Red Dragon. To have known Zip was to love him. He lives on in all he touched! Family always, Al Cook
Alvin Cook
November 17, 2025 | 617 Elm St Seaford,, DE | Friend
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rebecca, Angel, and the White family. Your lost is indeed great, but God's love is greater. Hold on to His hand during this immensely difficult time in your life.
Rev. Michael I and Nadine Talley
Michael Talley
November 16, 2025 | PHILADELPHIA, PA | Family
Zip was a wonderful husband, father and friend. I met him at Lackland AFB during one of his exhibitions and later met others of his Red Dragon Team. We lost contact but reconnected on Facebook and I found out that Zip worked with my late husband at Kelly AFB. What a small world. I will miss his video inspirations, his strong opinions on this crazy world we live in. He stood for what was right for people, not just politics. My prayers and heartfelt condolences to Zip's family and friends and...
Cheryl Papion
November 16, 2025 | San Antonio, TX | Friend
I have nothing but great memories of Zip. From playing basketball in the early 80's in ND, to touring the country, attending his fights and being his chauffeur. We kept in touch thru texts and FB and we were like brothers. My prayers go out to the fam
Johnny Nelson
November 15, 2025 | Belle Isle
Rest in Peace My Friend
Anthony Price
November 14, 2025 | Cincinnati, OH | Friend
Nancy and Family, So sorry for your loss, Sending Prayers to all at this difficult time
Georgia (Gigi) Moore (Ubben)
November 14, 2025 | Oakes, ND | Friend
Arnold was my one true Love. Will miss him. RIP til we meet again. Love you always.
Grace Upshaw
November 14, 2025 | Chesterfield, VA | Significant_other
Condolences to the family ❤ RIP my friend, thank you for all the wisdom you gave to me. The best supervisor for a young man coming into the USAf . ❤
Herb Murray
November 14, 2025 | Springfield, MA | Military
In Loving Memory of Arnold Roy “Zip” White
Arnold Roy “Zip” White, 70, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on October 27, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on September 18, 1955, in Richmond, Virginia, to Emma Marie White and Arthur Runabout Baskerville Jr.
Education and Career
Arnold graduated from Thomas Dale High School in 1974 and attended Virginia Union College before joining the United States Air Force. Through his dedication and leadership, he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant, proudly serving his country for 18 years. After his military service, Arnold pursued higher education, graduating Cum Laude from Palo Alto Community College in May 1997 with an Associate of Arts degree. He continued his studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), earning a Baccalaureate in Elementary Education with a Minor in History, graduating Magna Cum Laude in May 1999. He then began his teaching career at Carl and Bunny Jean Raba Elementary School, where he devoted himself to inspiring and educating young minds. His joy, energy, and passion for learning left a lasting mark on his students and colleagues alike.
Family
Zip is survived by his beloved wife Nancy White; his children Arnold “Zip” White, Ashely White, Aaron Novak, and Angel Novak; and their mother Rebecca Novak. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Michael White, Astin Scott-Novak, and Ailin Scott-Novak; his mother Emma Nelson; brothers Deno Martin and William Martin; and sister Anita Brown. He was preceded in death by his son Adam Novak, brothers Timothy White and Raymond White, daughter-in-law Nikki Scott, and many other dear family members and friends.
Personal Life and Martial Arts Legacy
Arnold White, known to many as Master “Zip” White, began studying karate in 1971 at Thomas Dale High School in Virginia. He was an instructor for more than 40 years, achieving the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan. His martial arts journey began under Instructor Charles Perkins, inspired by his idol Bruce Lee. While serving in the Air Force, he trained under Mr. Rogers Reece at Lackland Air Force Base, where he later founded the Red Dragons, a team that embodied his philosophy of loyalty, perseverance, and lifelong learning. Zip served overseas in Korea twice, where he both trained and taught martial arts to fellow service members. Known for his generosity, he taught karate at Lackland Air Force Base for
seven years free of charge, charging only a nominal fee later so he could continue to support youth, instill discipline, and keep kids off the streets. Throughout his career, he gave countless demonstrations at Kelly and Lackland AFB, including at the Christmas Program for Underprivileged Children, Asian History Month, and the Annual Air Show. As a competitor, Zip earned national recognition, traveling across the country and facing top martial artists, including Steve “Nasty” Anderson, Billy “Tae Bo” Blanks, Richard Plowen, and Russ Mapes. His legendary 1984 match with Steve Anderson was even featured in the movie 'Kill Point.' Zip was ranked #1 black belt in Texas and #1 heavyweight in the nation for several years, achievements that reflected both his talent and his dedication.
Services
A viewing will be held at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1281 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78228, on Sunday, November 16, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at the same location on Monday, November 17, from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by two hours of open remarks from friends and family. Burial will follow at Wildflower Memorial Park, 10392 Kriewald Rd., San Antonio, TX 78245.
Closing
“Quitters never win and winners never quit.” Zip’s determination, generosity, and unbreakable spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched — as a husband, father, teacher, soldier, mentor, and martial artist.
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