It is deep sadness, love and respect that Post 243 announces the passing of their Past Post Commander Louis Berrios on November 11, 2016. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Banfield Funeral Home, 420 West State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida. There will be a Memorial Presentation put on by Post 243 at 7PM on Wednesday night at the Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Nativity Catholic Church, Longwood, Florida on Thursday, November 17, 2016.
James E. Graves, III passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2016, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 89. Born in Apalachicola, Florida to the late J.E. Graves, Jr. and Verna Eloise Marks, Jim moved to Jacksonville at an early age and it was home for most of his life. He is survived by his sons Jim, Frank and E.A. (Lynda), six grandchildren, three great grandchildren and his beloved Yorkie, Tebow. He was predeceased by his wife Betty, brother Harry and one granddaughter. Jim was a graduate of the University of Florida and a life-long Gator fan.
He served in the U.S. Army in Korea and in various capacities as a reservist for 30 years earning the rank of Colonel. He was a graduate of the Army War College and the Naval War College.
While Jim served as a leader for several civic and social organizations during his life, he was most honored to serve as a Lay Leader and Sunday School teacher at Lakewood United Methodist Church for many years. After a private burial, there will be a memorial service led by the Reverend Eric Williams at Lakewood United Methodist Church, Jacksonville, Florida – on Tuesday, October 25, at 11:00 AM. The family would like to thank the medical staff at Baptist Downtown for their devotion to Jim’s care in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, Jim would be honored by donations to either the Lakewood United Methodist Church Music Ministry or the charity of your choice.
Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd. Jacksonville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Published in the Florida Times-Union on Oct. 23, 2016
Retired Lt. Col. Leo Gray, 82, a retired Tuskegee Airman, holds a 1945 photo of himself after flying a mission over Europe. Gray is one of 300 who will were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President Bush on March 29 in Washington, D.C. Susan Stocker, Sun Sentinel
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Leo R. Gray, (Lt. Col. Ret.), a Charter Member of Post 365. He was one of the last surviving original Tuskegee Airmen and a Red Tail Pilot in the State of Florida. He was well known throughout the state and country and traveled abroad telling the story of the “famed” Tuskegee Airmen of WWII.
Leo will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.Visitation will be 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Friday, October 14, 2016 at Dignity Funeral Chapel; 7701 Bailey Rd. , North Lauderdale, FL 33068.
A celebration of Life will be held from 10am-2pm Sat. Oct. 15th at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Pl. Lauderhill, FL 33311
Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, date and time to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in the name of Leo R Gray, LTC USAF (Ret), to any of the following:
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
PO Box 830060
Tuskegee, AL 36083
www.tuskegeeairmen.org
Nan Knox Boys and Girls Club
832 NW 2nd St
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
VITAS Healthcare
Attn: Donna Borland, GM
5420 NW 33rd Ave, Ste 100
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Post 236 Commander, Richard Spratlin of Bronson, FL. His funeral has been arranged for Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 1:00pm at the First Baptist Church of Bronson.
Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past 9th District Commander, Cauleen Dolan, of Jacksonville, FL at the age of 67. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 4:00pm at Post 142, 171 American Legion Way, Pompano Beach, FL 33060.
Cauleen was a Vietnam US NAVY Veteran and a member of Sterling McClellan Unit 142, with 32 continuous years of membership. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief. Condolences may be sent to Post 142.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past 9th District Commander, French “Frenchie” Shannon, Jr. , last week at the Alexander “Sandy” Nininger Veterans Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines at the age of 88. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Frenchie was a WWII US ARMY Veteran and was a charter member of Post 365, with 26 continuous years of membership. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief.
***UPDATE***
There will be a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Past 9th District Commander, French, “Frenchie” Shannon, Jr. on Friday, October 7, 2016 at 3:30pm at VFW Post 8195, 4414 Pembroke Rd. West Park, FL.
Internment to be held at South Florida National Cemetery, Monday, October 10, 2016 at 1:00 pm.
This will be an all Veteran Service coordinated by the American Legion and the VFW. There will be a buffet following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to American Legion Post 365 in his honor by check or online website: www.sunrisepost365.org.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Eastern Area Commander, Norman “Norm” Pamplin, of Christmas, FL at the age of 79. Norm is survived by his wife, Nancy. Norm’s celebration of life/memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 30th at 2:00pm at the VFW Post # 4228, 4411 Capron Rd., Titusville. He will be laid to rest at Christmas Cemetery, 23552 Christmas Cemetery Rd., Christmas, FL 32709 on Monday, August 1st at 9:00am. Everyone is welcome!
Norm was a Vietnam US NAVY Veteran and a member of Pine Castle Post 286, with 38 continuous years of membership. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief. Condolences may be sent to his wife, Nancy, at P.O. Box 154, Christmas, FL 32709-0154.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Legislative Chairman and Department Rehabilitation Chairman, J.G. “Tracy” Taylor, Jr., of Tampa, FL on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at the age of 95. A service will be held on August 6, 2016. Information of the service are not yet finalized, but will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Tracy was a WWII Army Veteran and a member of Seminole Post 111, with 73 continuous years of membership. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief. Condolences may be sent to: Tracy Taylor Family, 17302 Stetson Lane, Odessa, FL 33556.
UPDATE:Tracy Taylor’s interment service will be held at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, on Friday, August 5, at 2:00pm. A memorial service will be held at Family of Christ Lutheran Church West Campus (formerly St. Matthew Lutheran Church), 5601 Hanley Road, Tampa on Saturday, August. 6, at 11:00am.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past 1st District Commander, Charles L. Johann, of Yougstown, FL at the age of 74. Charles is survived by his wife, Deborah. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Charles was a Vietnam US NAVY Veteran and a member of Douglas Munro Post 356, with 10 continuous years of membership. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief. Condolences may be sent to his wife, Deborah, at13118 Scotts Ferry Rd., Youngstown, FL 32466.
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Albert Ensell, Jr., proud member of American Legion post 267.
Albert Edward Ensell, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 5, 2016 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Al was born in Philadelphia, PA and spent his formative years there and in Wildwood, NJ. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1950 where he was trained as an Air Traffic Controller. In April 1957, he moved to the Daytona Beach area with his wife, Bette, where he began his lifelong career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a controller, supervisor and manager. When Al retired from the FAA in 1992, he had worked at Daytona Beach International airport longer than any previous employee.
A father of six children, Al found time to volunteer at the Basilica of Saint Paul, Prince of Peace Catholic Church and Father Lopez High School, where he coached Basketball for many years. A long time athlete, Al could be found at pickup games on the basketball court, on the field with the men’s softball league, on the racquetball courts of Omega 40, jogging the streets or beaches of Daytona and teeing off at the Riviera Country Club.
He was a proud member of the American Legion, The Knights of Columbus, Loyal Order of the Moose and the Pizza Gang. Al was a mentor, friend, father, grandfather and great grandfather who was known for his big personality, zest for life and adventurous spirit.
Survivors include one son, Kurt (Terrie Lynne) Ensell of Orange Park, FL, four daughters Terri (John) Anderson of Solana Beach, CA, Karen Ensell of Ormond Beach, FL, Jeannine “J.C.” (Larry) Medlock and Margie Ensell, both of Orange Park, FL, one daughter-in-law, Tanya Ensell of Townsend, GA; three sisters, Patti Jenkins of Palm Bay, FL, twins Joni McDermott (Bob) of Jacksonville, FL and Jeanie Sproul of Bend, OR; fifteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Al is also survived by a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Bette Ensell, his son Albert E. “Tippy” Ensell.
A visitation will be held from 10-12 pm on Saturday, June 11 in the chapel at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 600 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach. A Mass of Christian burial will begin promptly following the visitation at 12 noon. Interment will follow at Volusia Memorial Park, 550 N. Nova Road, Ormond Beach. Immediately following the graveside service, a celebration of Al’s life will be held in the Social Hall at Prince of Peace Church.
Condolences and tributes may be shared with the family at www.volusiamemorialfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society of Volusia/Flagler, 1737 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Suite 140, Daytona Beach, FL 32117 or Haven Hospice, 741 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL 32065.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Western Area Commander, Benny Matthew Bailey, of Pensacola, FL on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the age of 88.
Benny Bailey was a Retired AirForce Veteran and a member of Hanniton Watts Post 193, with 38 continuous years of membership. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 8:45am at Joe Morris & Son Funeral Home, 701 N. DeVilliers St., Pensacola, FL 32501. Burial service will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Rd., Pensacola, FL 32508. Refreshments will be provided after services at Post 193, 2708 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32503.
Condolences for Benny Bailey may be sent to the following address:
Family of Benny Bailey
C/O Post 193
2708 N. 12th Ave.
Pensacola, FL 32503
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Robert Shipley, a 22 year member of the American Legion and Air Force Veteran during the Vietnam era. The Funeral will be Friday, May 13th, 2016 at 10AM in Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US HYW 1, Mims, FL 32754.
The Post Everlasting Ceremony will be held on Saturday May 14th, 10AM at Cassin Young Memorial Post 267, 156 New Britian Ave, Ormond Beach, FL, 32174
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past 17th District Commander, David L. Corning, of Deland, FL at the age of 75. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
David was a Vietnam US Army Veteran and a member of Adam Quinn Post 6, with 24 continuous years of membership.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Northern Area Commander, Marvin “Chris” E. Christians, of Old Town, FL on Friday, November 27, 2015 at the age of 79. Chris is survived by his wife, Mary. There will be a service for Chris on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 2:00pm held at Watsons Funeral Home in Trenton, Fl. The USMC Honor Guard from Jacksonville will handle Military Honors.
Chris Christians was a Korean Marine Veteran and a member of ANMCGAF Post 383, with 13 continuous years of membership. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief. Condolences may be sent to his wife, Mary, at 115 NE 112th Ave., Old Town, FL 32680-3611.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past 1st District Commander, William Leonard “Bill” Bingle of Pensacola, FL on Wednesday, August 5th, 2015 at the age of 84. He is survived by his four children, Lyne Dennis (Skip), Jeff Bingle (Lisa), Janet Johnson (Randy), all of Pensacola, FL and Cindy Bryan (John) of Mexico Beach, FL. Six grandchildren, Nate Dennis (Stephanie), Chris Bingle (Jessica), Katie Runnels (TJ), Brandon Bingle (Laura), Mike Johnson and Sarah Dennis (Josh); two great grandchildren, Elleah and Elin Runnels.
Funeral Service will be held Monday, August 10th at Pensacola Memorial Gardens on Pine Forest Road. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 am, the funeral service will begin at 11:00am. Interment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Legion Post 340 – Children and Youth Programs (8890 Ashland Ave, Pensacola, FL 32534)
Bill is a Korean Navy veteran and a member of Post 340, with 22 continuous years of membership. After retiring in 1988 he had many hobbies and interests but found his greatest pleasure in serving the community through the American Legion Post 340. He served in many capacities including, Historian, Secretary, Treasurer, Post Commander and District Commander. His dedication and willingness to serve as a leader afforded him the opportunity to help guide the path of the Children and Youth Programs. He gave his time and service hoping that it would somehow make a difference. Bill loved life and lived it to the fullest. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. – See more at:http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pensacolanewsjournal/obituary.aspx?n=William-Bingle&pid=175456110#sthash.EZmuNNzq.dpuf
We are saddened to announce the passing of Janet Woodward. Janet is the wife of Past 14th District Commander Louis Woodward. When funeral arrangements are known, we will post updates on the Department Website. Please keep Louis and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Condolences may be sent to:
Louis Woodward
457 Barracuda Blvd.
Key Largo, FL 33037
