Calvin “Ed” White, age 81

Calvin “Ed” White, 81, entered into his eternal rest on Aug 8, 2024 surrounded by loved  ones. He was born in Scott, AR on July 17, 1943 to the late James “Austil” and Lottie Faye McDonald White. After he graduated from England High School, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served at Blytheville Air Force Base. He was accounted the youngest crew chief assigned to the B-52 Bomber.  

After his USAF service, he attended Arkansas State University where he met his wife,  Patricia Parker of Brenham, TX, whom he married in 1968. He ultimately earned his  PhD in Swine Nutrition from the University of Arkansas while working for Pollution  Control and Ecology.  

In 1978, the University of Florida hired Ed to be a swine nutritionist at their Institute  for Food and Animal Services operation in Live Oak, Fl. Among years of experiments  and collaborative projects, he successfully developed a healthy feed for lean pig  production. He presented project findings at universities in the US and Europe. In  Live Oak, he invested in the agricultural community, speaking formally and informally  on crop and animal production. He was a member of the local Rotary Club, the BOE,  and often supplied his ’36 Ford truck or ‘72 Corvette Stingray for homecoming parades.  When not under the bonnet of one of his vehicles, he could be found launching his boat from Steinhatchee for a day of fishing with his wife and daughter or his fishing buddies. 

His weekdays often ended on a tractor as he rotated his soybean crops with perennial  peanut. His summer gardens were always (too) large. He loved the smell of a good,  tilled field, the sight of a well tended farm, and the sound of content sows with their piglets.  

In 1990, he transferred from IFAS into a full-time teaching post as associate professor  of animal nutrition at UF. From 1992-1998, he also undertook bovine genetic mapping  through the National Center for Toxicological Research in Redfield, AR. He retired  from UF in 2002 with a commendation for his contribution to the greater agricultural  field.  

Concurrent to his work for UF, Ed commissioned as an officer in the US Army Reserves and served 23 years as an entomologist for the 319th and 342nd medical  detachment units of Gainesville and Ft Lauderdale, respectively. He was appointed commander of these preventative medicine units and retired at the rank of Lt. Col. He  and his team served many stateside and global field operations in the course of duty.  His most notable deployment was on Sept 14, 2001 to Egypt to help secure safe living  and training conditions for the troops preparing to invade Afghanistan after the 9/11  attacks. 

In 2000, Ed married Heather Barbour of Gainesville, FL. Four years later, they  relocated to Havana, AR where Ed established Green Roof Farm, a hay operation for  horses and cattle in six states. He retired from this last career in 2016 when the couple  moved to Hot Springs Village where Ed finally had to time to indulge his passion for  restoring antique vehicles, particularly military trucks. This lasted as long as his failing  eyesight permitted.  

Ed was baptized at the age of 9 during a tent revival. He enjoyed years of  involvement at the churches of Christ in Rose City, Levy, Sylvan Hills, as well as North  Street church of Christ in Fayetteville, Pleasant Valley church of Christ in Little Rock,  and the Village church of Christ of Hot Springs Village. He served as a deacon at Live  Oak church of Christ and as an elder at Western Yell County church of Christ of  Havana, AR. He enjoyed preparing and teaching adult classes. He advocated for the  underrepresented, tested curriculum against theology, and facilitated hard discussions.  He loved a good church potluck and all the conversation that happened around the  tables. He lived by 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and wanted everyone to know Jesus Christ  is the reason for hope, faith, and love.  

He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Parker White, his father and mother, and  his brother, Jim White. 

He is survived by his wife, Heather White, and his daughter, Emily Garner (Michael),  his stepson, Chris Barbour, his stepdaughter, Laurie Goff (Matt), his sister, Jane White  (Peg), 5 grandsons, 3 nieces, 2 nephews, beloved cousins, relations, and valued friends.  

A celebration of Ed’s life will take place with military honors at Forest Hills cemetery  in Alexander, AR at 11am on 24 August 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that  donations be made in Ed’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com