There’s no telling how many thousands of men have been redeemed and rehabilitated under the careers of officers who are members of the White family. Since Major Lairon T. White (Larry’s father) began his career in 1944, the astounding influence of the White family in the ARC of the USA Southern Territory has added to the Kingdom of God. Lt. Colonels Larry and Shirley White enter honored retirement as of July 1, 2010, bringing that streak to a bittersweet end.
Lt. Colonels Larry and Shirley White were honored in a retirement service “Celebrating the Goodness of God.” Participants included: Colonel Linda Griffin, Commissioner Phil Swyers, Lt. Colonel Tom Jones, Major David Atkins, Major Ron Busroe, Commissioner Pat Swyers, Major Ron Busroe, Majors Bill and Mary Madison, Louis Durden, Cindy Court, Commissioner John Busby, Colonel David Jeffrey, Major Tom Overton and Jay Dillinger. Colonels Steve and Judy Hedgren conducted the official retirement ceremony. Another highlight of the program was a song presented by the Whites’ nine grandchildren.
The Whites served in The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers since his commissioning in the Blood & Fire session on June 10, 1973. He attended Louisiana State University and served for three years in the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Shirley White was commissioned in June 1962 as a member of the Soldiers of Christ session. She served as assistant corps officer in New Orleans Citadel and Baton Rouge, La., and at Jonesboro, Ark. She graduated from the Southern Baptist School of Nursing in New Orleans in 1968. They were married on Feb. 21, 1969, at the Houston ARC. Shirley White worked as a surgical nurse until her reacceptance as an officer in June 1973. Lt. Colonel Larry and Shirley White served at ARCs in Charlotte, N.C.; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, Miami, Tampa, Fla.; and Houston. They were appointed as ARC commander and director of special services in October 2000.
The Whites’ address in retirement is: 9751 Rolling Circle, San Antonio, FL 33576.
