Jimmy G. White

Jimmy Glynn White, 77, of Manila, passed from this life, Friday Aug. 24, 2012, at his home. Born at Manila, he was the son of the late Albert H. and Oshia Shedd White and was a 1953 graduate of Manila High School. Following high school he served three years in the U.S. Navy and later received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Arkansas State University. Jimmy then joined the U.S. Air Force and served an additional 17 years having attained the rank of major. He was a Vietnam War veteran and received the Airman's Medal for heroism in 1965 for rescuing four people from a burning car.

He was an instructor of Military Science at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and professor of Aerospace Studies for the ROTC program at the University of Georgia. He retired as the Inspector General for the War College in Montgomery, Ala. During his military career he earned a Masters Degree in Business from Ohio State University and in 1964 founded Mid-South Footwear based in Winder, Ga. He returned home to northeast Arkansas in the early 1980s and relocated Mid-South Footwear to Manila at that time.

He was a longtime Mason, was of the Baptist faith, and served as the mayor of Manila during the 1990s. Jimmy was a certified flight instructor, aviation enthusiast, an avid hunter and fisherman. He was actively involved in legislation to preserve hunters' rights.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby White.

Survivors include his wife, Ellen Bray White of the home; two daughters, Vicki Kelley of College Station, Texas, and Terri White of Louisville, Ky.; four grandchildren, Shea Kelley, Katie Richardson, Taylor Kelley, and Haley Kelley; and a sister, Anita Beasley of Atkins.

The family will receive visitors from 4-6 Tuesday evening, Aug. 28, at their home, 308 East Lake St., Manila. Final disposition will be private.

Friends may sign the online guest register @www.howardfuneralservice.com.