Paul White with his sister, Sue Gray
Paul White enjoyed 60 years plus in the radio industry, the occupation he really enjoyed and loved. Mr. White passed away Wednesday after an extended illness.
After graduation from DeKalb County High School, Mr. White’s career took him all over the United States and he spent the last 25 years as manager of WFLI radio.
Retired Chattanooga broadcaster Johnny Eagle said, “Mr. White was dedicated to radio. When I operated a station in Kingston, Tn., Paul did all my engineering work.
I didn’t know who else to call. He definitely had a passion for radio and will be missed.”
Chattanooga television news anchor David Carroll said, “I got to know him in his last few years there (WFLI); Just a great guy with a big heart.”
This writer first met Mr. White while he was an engineer for WMOC radio. Mr. White was proud of designing a state of the art radio automation system for Schaefer Automation Systems which was used in Chattanooga and across the United States. He carried a picture of the system in his briefcase for years, and if you asked, he’d show you the picture and tell you all about the system and how it worked.
The late Roy Morris was manager of WDOD Radio in the late 1970’s and hired Mr. White to host the “Morning Radio Program.” Although Mr. White enjoyed radio engineering he also loved country music and being on the air. He was a very good radio announcer.
When Mr. Morris managed a cluster of radio stations in Vermont, his friend worked as a contract engineer and traveled with him from station to station.
Mr. White was very good friends with Ying Benns, owner of WFLI radio and TV, and he served as general manager of the Benns properties.
Mr. White was married to his wife Wanda for 67 years and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren at his home place in New Salem.
This writer would often visit with Mr. White and enjoyed listening to his radio stories of the past.
A graveside service will be held this Saturday at Hawkins Cemetery in the New Salem Community where Mr. White lived for many years.
A graveside service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Hawkins Cemetery on Memorial Drive, Lookout Mountain.
Paul White with the WMOC good guys