H. Charlie White

H. Charlie White CHESAPEAKE - Retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Engineman (SW/AW) H. "Charlie" White, 56, passed away Sept. 25, 2008, as a result of injuries sustained from an automobile accident in August. Master Chief White is a native of Indiana County, Pennsylvania, but called Virginia home for more than 30 years. He entered the Navy Sept. 9, 1970, as a shipfitter pipe (SFP). He served aboard the USS Guam and USS Boulder where he converted to the Enginemen rating in 1972. From 1972 to 1991, he served on several ships home ported in Little Creek. He was accepted to the Navy's Command Master Chief program in 1994. He served as Command Master Chief for the Jolly Rogers (VF-103) from November 1994 through September 1997 assigned to the USS Enterprise (CVN65) Battle Group. He attended the Senior Enlisted Academy prior to reporting for duty as Force Master Chief for Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation force, Norfolk, in October 1997 where he completed his tour of duty and retired in April 2001. Charlie was a loving and devoted husband, father, "Papaw," and brother. Survivors include his wife and best friend of 23 years, Cathy; four daughters, Crystal Dickinson (Jeff), Alison Voss-Fernandes (Marc), Betsy Ludwig (Mike), all of Virginia Beach and Cheryl White of Norfolk; eight grandchildren, Emma Dickinson, Austin, Gabe, Hayley and Makayla Fernandes, Alexis, Delaney and Andrew Ludwig; beloved brother and friend, Mark Deyarmin (Angel) and brother, Dee Deyarmin (Brenda), all of Pennsylvania; three sisters, Dottie Neal, Nancy Watson (Jerry) and Lorrie Shields; and many nieces, nephews, and very special brother and sister-in-law's who have benefitted from his love and guidance over the years. The family will receive friends today from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home. A celebration of Charlie's life will be held Monday at 2 p.m. in Waters Edge Community Church Of God, 4141 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, by Dr. James Bradley. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Friends may view Charlie's permanent memorial at www.mem.com.