Merion Douglas White, the eldest of five children was born on December 26, 1943, to Merion and Nellie White in Henderson, North Carolina.  Following his graduation from Wilton High School in 1962, Doug enlisted in the United States Navy and served our country proudly for 23 years. During his military service, Doug earned his AA from Pensacola Junior College in 1970, his BA in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland in 1975, followed by his Juris Doctorate from George Washington University in 1981. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander in June 1985 at Navy Technical Training Center in Pensacola, FL. During his military service he received numerous commendations and medals, including the Vietnam Campaign Service Medal (twice) and the Vietnam Service Ribbon.

Following his military retirement, Doug immediately started his second career as an attorney for the state of Florida. His law career began in 1985 as an Assistant State Attorney and concluded 36 years later as a Chief Assistant Public Defender in October of 2021.  Additionally, Doug enriched the community through his work teaching law seminars and academic courses at Okaloosa Walton Community College.

Doug was a family man who always gave his time no matter what he was doing. He was loved as a husband, son, brother, father, uncle, and grandfather. Colleagues and friends describe Doug as a gentleman who paid keen attention to all sides of a story, an exceptional listener, easy going, incredibly generous, considerate and kind. Doug was an avid reader and runner, an amateur philosopher, golf excited and relaxed him, he loved music, basketball, and spending time with his family.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sue White Carver and his stepson Bradley James Thomason.  He is survived by his loving wife Anne Marie White; his children: Merion (Lori) Douglas White, Mark (Michelle) Vincent White, Cynthia (Pyar) White Anderson, Scott Allen Thomason; his grandchildren: Madeline Alexandra White, Catherine Elizabeth White, Emily Nicole White, Mackenzie Abigail White, Regan (Devin) Alexis Gray, Christian Cole Thomason, Reese Allen Thomason; and his siblings: Hilda (Bruce) Harrell, Deborah White, Rick (Diane) White.

His memorial service will be at Ft. Barrancas in Pensacola Florida with Naval honors on July 29, 2024.  Clary-Glenn Funeral Home of Freeport Florida is handling all arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.