Bernardine "Barry" White

1 st Sergeant Bernardine (Barry) White

The hearts of family and friends of Bernardine White join in the remembrance of a life lived with boldness, love, and sincerity. Bernardine White will forever be lauded and remembered as a sibling, husband, father, friend, and soldier. At the age of 67, on January 26, 2024, much too soon for our hearts, Bernardine White—husband, father, friend, and veteran—began a journey where those who loved him could not follow him.

Bernardine White was born June 22, 1956, to Josephine and James White in Madison, Mississippi. The youngest son of 10 children, Bernardine chose to join the United States Army in April 1974 as a 95B. It was during his early years of military service that he met his forever love, Pamela Benavidez. Bernardine and Pamela met in Hawaii, and married June 15, 1977, in Enterprise, Alabama. They would spend the next 46 years crafting and sharing a life filled with infinite love, family devotion, and giving.

As a First Sergeant, Bernardine White touched the lives of many while stationed in Germany and White Sands, NM. He retired from White Sands Missile Range after 22 years of military service and would go on to begin a new chapter by joining the United States Postal Service. Before retiring in February 2016, his time with the postal service would only add to the many people who knew him to be a man with an enormous heart and passion for helping others.

Bernardine White was affectionately known as Barry to all who were blessed to regularly be in his presence. He was a dedicated family man and friend, who was known for his sincerity and honesty. He garnered a servant’s heart and was always willing to help others. For Barry, family was not just about biology. Barry and Pamela chose to embrace others and add them to their family tree. Barry would welcome many to the family table and could barbecue circles around anybody. He was a beast at the spades table and a master builder. His laugh was contagious, and his wisdom was vast.

For us, Barry was THE man among men. He will be remembered as a man of bold stature, intelligence, and kindness, and because of these qualities his legacy is cemented on this earth and in our hearts.

Barry is survived by his wife, Pamela, his son, Paul Kekuewa (Faith); his daughter Angela White-Lowery (John); three grandchildren, Ashlee, Estevan, and Josalyn; three great grandchildren, Je’lani, Ryland, and Khaos; and a host of extended family members who he loved dearly.

Our beloved Bernardine White will be taken to a permanent place of remembrance on Thursday, February 22nd at 1:00 p.m. at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave., El Paso, TX 79906. Flowers may be sent to the Getz Funeral Home.

Our family thanks you in advance for your prayers, calls and acts of kindness.