Mr. William Boyce White, Jr. (3 March 1929 - 1 October 2016) Billy White Retired teacher, historian, genealogist, and church organist, William B. (Billy) White, Jr, age 87 of Roanoke, Virginia, died October 1 at South Roanoke Nursing Home. He was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina on March 3, 1929, the son of the late W. Boyce and Julia M. (Robinson) White. He was a graduate of Rock Hill High School, and the University of South Carolina, earning both B.A. and M.A. degrees. He started his teaching career in 1952 in the Clover public schools. He taught in the Clover schools from 1952-1958, at Winthrop University Training School (Rock Hill) from 1958 to 1965, and at Rock Hill High School from 1969 to 1986. He served as a church organist for over five decades to three churches: First Presbyterian (Rock Hill), St. John's United Methodist (Rock Hill) and First Presbyterian Church of York, South Carolina. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Rock Hill, the Sons of the American Revolution, the York County Historical Society, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the Society of the Antiquaries of Scotland. He served on the Board of Education of the state of South Carolina from 1967-1971. His major interests were genealogy and local history, with emphasis on the early history of York County and Rock Hill. His lifelong research into genealogy yielded a treasure trove of historical information unavailable elsewhere on many early families of South Carolina. His research resulted in the publication of numerous articles and books. Mr. White's love of teaching and his ability to inspire his students was one of his enduring characteristics. His teaching skills were widely recognized. He was honored to be "Teacher of the Year" for South Carolina twice during his career, the only teacher in South Carolina to be so recognized. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan presented him a “Certificate of Excellence" in teaching and conscientious contribution to education as part of the Presidential Scholars Program at a White House ceremony.