Erskine N. 'Skip' White Jr., 89, Retired Business Executive

Erskine N. "Skip" White Jr., formerly of Barrington, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at his home on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He was 89. 

White was born in New York City and raised in Winchester, Mass. He graduated from The Phillips Exeter Academy and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Yale University, Class of 1945W. His studies at Yale were interrupted by his service in the U.S. Navy from 1944 -1946. 

After his military service, he earned a Master's Degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's School of Industrial Management, and was later awarded an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University.

He spent nearly his entire professional life working in Providence, and residing in Barrington. He was the president of Gorham Manufacturing Company when the Providence-based silver products firm was purchased by Textron, Inc. He retired from Textron in 1981 as an Executive Vice President, and later formed the E.N. White Management Corporation, where he was a business consultant for many private firms and public companies. 

White was very active in the business community, serving on the Board of Directors for Carlisle Industries, the Rhode Island Hospital Trust National Bank, McCormick & Co., Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, the New York Stock Exchange, the United Way of Rhode Island, Sentry Safe, Ballou Corporation, and the National Association of Manufacturers. He also served as Trustee of The Rhode Island School of Design, and as their Treasurer and Chairman of their Finance Committee. 

Even more extensive was his work for numerous civic groups. Among the organizations he served as a board member or trustee were the Urban League of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Council of Economic Education, The Lincoln School in Providence, and the Barrington Congregational Church, where he served several terms as a Deacon.

He was a Member of the Distribution Committee of The Rhode Island Foundation and also president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Federation, and Chairman and Director for the National Conference of Christians and Jews (serving Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. 

Upon moving to Hilton Head Island, he continued his life of service by serving as board member and treasurer of the Lowcountry Community Development Corporation, and Bear Creek Golf Club.

His main joy in his life was his "family time." His love of sailing was shared by his family, especially his wife, Lee. The two of them also enjoyed traveling together, visiting Poland, Yugoslavia, Japan, Hong Kong, Egypt, and Israel.
He is survived by his three children, Erskine ("Kim") White of Nashville, Tennessee, Carol White Wolfe of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and Cathy Fields of Naples, New York, as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private. Donations are being accepted and may be made in White's name to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, PO Box 3827, 119 Palmetto Way, Bluffton, South Carolina, 29910. 

The Island Funeral Home and Crematory in Hilton Head Island is in charge of arrangements.