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Lee Wayne White Sr.

1925 - 2019

Lee Wayne White Sr. obituary, 1925-2019, Austin, TX

Lee White Obituary

WHITE, Sr., Lee Wayne Lee Wayne White, Sr., 94 of Austin, passed away peacefully in his home on September 12, 2019. A fifth-generation Texan, Lee was born on August 14, 1925 in Sonora, Texas to Troy and Francis (Cook) White. He was one of five boys. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was called to active duty in August 1943. Throughout his illustrious military career in the United States Air Force, he was an aviator and flight instructor attaining the rating of command pilot. In 1970, Lt. Colonel White retired from the USAF. Like many young men during World War II, his college plans were placed on hold. He returned to college to earn his bachelor's from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master's from the University of Alabama. After retirement from the Air Force he earned a PhD from UT-Austin. He valued education and was committed to teaching his students at Del Valle High School for nearly 20 years. In his retirement years, Wayne was best known to be a quiet man who walked seven miles daily into his early 90's. Wayne could be spotted riding his lawn mower with pride cutting the park-like lawns in the backyards of his neighborhood. On his 90th birthday, he was named "Best Neighbor Ever". Wayne cherished 70 years of marriage with his wife, Robbye Jo (Tisdale) White, who was always by him supporting his accomplishments. He is survived by Kathy White, daughter and Larry Allen, her long-time friend, and Lee White, son and Sandra White, daughter-in-law. He is preceded in death by his brothers, and Lee Ann White, daughter. Wayne was a beloved grandfather to his late-grandson, Branon Lee Martin and Alexandra Katherine White. Lt. Colonel White will be laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio on Thursday, September 19 at 1:15pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Daedalians Scholarship Fund at https://daedalians.org Condolences may be sent to: www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Sep. 15, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Lee White

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Jennifer Plant

July 12, 2020

It is with great sorrow that I just now learn of Dr. White's passing. He was such a great teacher who cared about his students and the subject of science. I will always remember him and his class fondly. May he rest in peace.

Chris Dierschke

September 19, 2019

What an amazing, inspiring, awesome teacher and model of a man!!!! I still tell stories about all the model planes hanging from the ceiling in class. Rest In Peace!

Craig Dozier

September 18, 2019

Thank you, Dr. White, for being my favorite science teacher. Thank you for talking to me many times after class and encouraging me. Thank you for lending me your personal autographed books and sharing your flying days stories. Thank you for being part of the best year of my high school years. I always looked up to you and I always will.

Lorena Hampton

September 18, 2019

While I'm saddened to hear of Dr. White's passing, I can't help but rejoice to learn that he lived such a long and storied life. I learned as much, if not more, about History in his Science class as I did in my History classes! Always so friendly, with a smile and a helping hand. I feel so fortunate that our lives' journeys crossed paths, even if it was just for one year of classes all those moons ago. Godspeed, Dr. White. Job well done, sir.

Respectfully,

Lori Burton

Coleen Glass Yantis

September 18, 2019

RIP Dr. White. You sir were a definite role model and someone I think of often. From serving in the military, your community and an amazing one of kind science teacher! I still to this day have fondness for airplanes and your stories. Thank you for all of your dedication. You made a major impact on my life and so many others. Fly high and gods speed Lt. Colonel. My heartfelt condolences to your family, friends and all the people that had a chance to know you.

Much love,
Coleen

September 17, 2019

He was kind and caring. Such a sweet and humble person. It was an honor and a great blessing to have met such a exceptional human.

LeeAnna Spell

September 17, 2019

Rest In Peace Dr. White.
There was no other teacher like him. I greatly enjoyed his science class, he had a way of making it fun but also learning so much. I have missed him since I left Del Valle.

Catherine Caldwell Lehman

September 17, 2019

Dr. White was a wonderful, kind and patient teacher! I had him for Physical Science in 9th grade and I will always remember him! My deepest sympathy to his family.

Christina Donsbach

September 17, 2019

Dr. White was a great teacher & made an impact on many students at Del Valle High School, me being one of them. May he rest in peace and my condolences to his family.

Laura Gerdes Lewis

September 17, 2019

Dr White was truly an exceptional teacher who made a lasting impact on my life. May he Rest In Peace!

Belinda

September 17, 2019

Hey had a wonderful spirit. Rest In Peace Dr. White.

Betty Cadwalder

September 17, 2019

He was such a great teacher.

September 17, 2019

My condolences Dr. White left a lasting impression on many of us,he will be missed and remembered always. May he RIP

Angie Whitehead, Class of '89

September 17, 2019

Some of my fondest memories at Del Valle High School was in Dr. White's class. He was an inspiration to for us to learn and grow. He always had a welcoming smile on his face. It didn't matter is he was your teacher that year or not, he remembered you and always had time for you. He will be greatly missed.

Angie Whitehead

September 17, 2019

Some of my fondest memories of my years at Del Valle High School were of Dr. White. He was a wonderful teacher. Every day in his class was a learning inspiration. I could always count on him to just let me stop in, say hello, talk or have him just listen. He will be greatly missed.

Nicole Paredes

September 17, 2019

Dr.White was definitely a great teacher and made an impact on all of us at Del Valle High School. Rest in Peace and prayers to his family. Class of '91

Becca Martinez

September 17, 2019

Dr. White was one of many great teachers I had at DV! So sad to hear of his passing. Praying for his family at this time. Class of 1990

Philip Hensley

September 17, 2019

Dr White was an inspiration to generations of Del Valle students. A patient and compassionate man who served his country valiantly and then served his community faithfully. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered!

Philip Hensley DVHS Class of 1990

Rik Hurst

September 17, 2019

RIP Dr White your memory will live on forever in the minds of the students you touched with your knowledge and love for science. You might be gone but you will never be forgotten. GOD SPEED DR. White

Brandy Ruiz

September 17, 2019

Dr. White was the sweetest, most intelligent teacher I had through my high school career. He touched all of the students he taught. I have memories that I look back and laugh at and some that I love and make me want to cry out of happiness. I am so sorry for your lost, but know that Dr. White made an amazing mark on the world and I only hope he knew that.

Dianna Amezquita

September 17, 2019

In loving memory of Dr. White who taught so many different generations at Del Valle High School.

Melissa Villarreal

September 17, 2019

Dr. White was one of the best teachers I had the privilege to learn from in school. He was always excited to teach Science and kept his students engaged. I loved it when he would show us Nova films. He made learning the table of elements fun. Dr. White was an incredible teacher that was loved by many students. Thank you Dr. White. Rest well Sir.

Virgil Banda class of 86'

September 17, 2019

Dr. White, a true gentleman with a passion for teaching young students eggar to learn. And a love for aviation. I cherish being one of his students , love the times that we got to watch the rocket launch's from Cape Canaveral in class! Love you Sir!!! Rip!

Jennifer Arnett

September 17, 2019

Rest In Peace Dr White! I had him for my freshman year in 84, he was a firm teacher but a very good teacher! You will be missed!

Ari Kocen

September 17, 2019

Dr. White was my ninth grade science teacher and left a real mark. His room was full of model airplanes, one of which i was proud to assemble for him. RIP Dr. White.

Thomas Miller

September 15, 2019

Dr. White was a fine neighbor and true gentleman.His daily walks set a example for my wife and I to continue. He will be missed.

Thomas and Stephanie Miller

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

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Memorial Events
for Lee White

Sep

19

Burial

1:15 p.m.

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

San Antonio, TX

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