EDDINS, VERNON L.

Vernon L. Eddins, 87, of Pensacola passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2012. Vernon was a great man.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, Marine, singer, dancer and a genuinely happy person.

He showed us how to enjoy life. He had a wonderful marriage of more than 60 years. He loved his daughter and granddaughter who re-ignited his passion for singing. He treated the women in his life like princesses. He was a happy person who shared his passions of singing and dancing. He loved singing with the Belles and Beaux, the Senior Follies and with Red Lane and Michael McCartan at the Friday night dances at the Bayview Senior Center. Ken and Carolyn Turk adopted Vernon after Argie passed away in 2008. He loved them and they featured him in the production of the Senior Follies each year. They were his extended family.

He was a Patriot. He fought for his country and was proud of his service in the Marines’ 2nd and 3rd Raider Battalions during World War II as a master gunnery sergeant. He continued to share his war experiences and weapons with the Marines at Pensacola Naval Air Station during their training. He loved attending the annual Marine Raider Battalion reunions. He was a brother. He grew up during times when families lived and worked closely with each other in downtown Pensacola. He and his brothers earned money the hard way; on the docks selling peanuts and mullet, at Casino Beach boxing matches, fighting for their country and eventually learning trades through apprenticeships. They had each other’s backs as they grew up. They were his family.

He made friends throughout his whole life. He shared his life with others and they became part of his life and his extended family.

He was love, hugs, songs, dances and duty all wrapped up in a big happy smile. He will be missed. We Love You Vernon.

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife, Argie Eddins.

He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Walters (Mark) of Pensacola; granddaughter, Susannah Walters of Pensacola; brothers, Earl Eddins (Cordean) and Gordon Eddins (Sarah); brother-in-law, Ronnie Harris (Nancy); sister-in-law, Carolyn Bedgood (Gary); brother-in-law, Bobby Harris (Maxine) and sister-in-law, Mildred Daw.

Graveside services will be held at 1:15pm, Friday, November 30, 2012 at Barrancas National Cemetery aboard NAS, Pensacola at Shelter A. Dr. Geoffrey Lentz will be officiating with Marine Honors.

Honorary pallbearers will be Earl Eddins, Gordon Eddins, Ken Turk, Red Lane, Michael McCartan and Danny Eddins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Belles and Beaux, Senior Follies, Marines, Red Lane and Michael McCartan.