August 31, 1944 – February 18, 2024
NAGS HEAD — William Raymond White, of Nags Head, NC, known to his friends as Ray, passed away on February 18, 2024, at the age of 79. A longtime resident of Manns Harbor and Nags Head, NC, he was born on August 31, 1944, in Columbia, NC, to William Stanford White and Grace Willard Mann White.
Ray led a fulfilling life dedicated to service and community involvement. He graduated from Manteo High School in 1962, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from East Carolina University in 1967, and furthered his education by attending LSU School of Business. His career spanned various roles, including working at Planters Bank as a teller, serving as a city executive for Dare County Centura Bank, and later becoming the regional president at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Ray’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish OBX Bank, which eventually evolved into TowneBank.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ray was deeply committed to his community. He was an active member of St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry and building committee for the newest sanctuary. Ray was also a founding member of the Outer Banks Community Foundation in 1982, serving on the board for 16 years. His dedication continued as he contributed to various organizations throughout the community, including the Outer Banks Tourist Bureau, Dare Education Foundation, the Outer Banks Sporting Events Board, the North Carolina Aquarium Society, the board for Jennette’s Pier, and the North Carolina Wildlife Commission. He was instrumental in the building of teacher housing in Hatteras and Run Hill in Kill Devil Hills. Impressively, Ray also chaired the Dare County ABC Board for 49 years.
In recognition of his dedication and service, Ray received the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from Governor Roy Cooper.
Ray is survived by his loving wife Linda Shields White, daughter McKenzie Brooke White (Nathan A Kainz) of Durham, NC, brothers Stan M. White (Susie) and Wade E White, niece Wanda Grace White, and nephews Hunter White (Stacy), Paul Hinton, and John White.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Twiford Colony Chapel on Monday, February 19, 2024, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church on February 20, 2024, at 11:00 am. Rev. Nathan Finnan will officiate. A private graveside committal service will be held at Mt. Carmel Global Methodist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ray can be made to the Outer Banks Community Foundation – Ray White Family Fund, or St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church. Ray’s legacy of service and compassion will be cherished by all who knew him.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
