Commander Richard Douglas "Doug" White, U.S. Navy (Ret.), age 86, of Pensacola, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

CDR White, was born in Knoxville, TN, son of the late Earl L. and Ella (Sloan) White. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Kurt W. White.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughters, Sonya White and Sheri White Fought (husband, Eric); sons, Richard and Patrick. He was a lifelong athlete playing football, basketball, and baseball. He graduated High School in Sevierville, TN and graduated from The University of Tennessee, where he played football.

He earned an accounting degree and after graduation enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After enlistment, he received orders to attend Officer Candidate School. He graduated and was commissioned an Ensign. He then received orders to Naval Aviation Observer School at NAS Jacksonville.

He went on to bombardier/navigator training at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, WA. He served in VAH-2, flying in the A3D. In 1960, went to NAS Pensacola as a naval student. He earned his Wings of Gold after advanced jet training and carrier qualification in the F9F-8B and became a fighter pilot. He received orders to an F8 Crusader squadron and participated in air defense missions and aerial reconnaissance protection during the Cuban Missile Conflict.

He transitioned to F4 Phantoms and had cruises aboard USS Independence, first to the Vietnam conflict and then the Mediterranean. He then had shore duty in Key West training replacement F4 crews.

After shore duty, he returned to Fighter Squadron 84 and deployed aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. After two cruises to the Mediterranean, he had more than 3,000 flight hours and 500 carrier arrested landings. He transferred to the Naval Safety Center at NAS Norfolk, where he served as the F-14 Tomcat and F-8 Crusader aircraft analyst.

He went to ship's company and was assigned to the Pre-commissioning of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was then screened for command in Sigonella, Italy, and became executive officer and commanding officer of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Twenty-Four. Under his leadership, the squadron was awarded a Navy Unit Commendation and the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award for accident-free operations. CDR White was personally awarded the Navy Meritorious Service Medal. He returned to CONUS and reported to Commander Tactical Support Wing One as Chief of Staff. In his 24-year naval career, he flew 58 different models of aircraft, amassing over 5,000 flight hours and 500 carrier arrested landings. He took retirement rather than accept orders to the Naval Air Systems Command in Washington, DC. During his "twilight tour", CDR White met and wooed his wife of forty-two years. They wed on May 2, 1980.

CDR White received the gold star in lieu of his second Meritorious Service Medal. He was the recipient of the Air Medal and joined the retired fleet on August 1, 1982.

After retirement he received a master's degree in Transportation and Logistics from the University of Tennessee and credits in all but thesis for his Doctorate. He taught transportation courses at UT for many years. He also flew corporate jets for Stevens Aviation while raising cattle and attending to his family farm. Throughout the years he officiated football, baseball, basketball, and volleyball. The family is grateful to Ernest Westwood and Cheri Loveless for their help, care, and concern during his long illness.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, Shelter B, with Rev. Dr. Levi S. Gardner, officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the US Navy.

Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at Perdido Bay United Methodist Church, 13660 Innerarity Point Rd., Pensacola, FL 32507 at 12:30 P.M. on Friday February 9, 2023, to line up for procession to the Barrancas National Cemetery.