Neil A Delmar Jr

Neilson Andruas Delmar, Jr.
1950 - 2018

Neil (Pappy) Delmar, age 68, passed away peacefully at Southeast Health in Dothan, Alabama on December 5, 2018, surrounded by his loving family following a life-threatening stroke.

Neil was born in Pensacola, Florida and grew up with his three sisters in their Blount Street home in the East Hill section of Pensacola. Neil attended Agnes McReynolds School, East Hill Christian School, and AV Clubbs Jr. High School, graduating with the Pensacola High School class of 1969.

As a young boy, Neil was very athletic and loved to surf, also enjoying dove hunting and fishing with his dad. Neil later completed Law Enforcement Standards training at Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Florida.

Following his high school graduation, Neil drove to Montgomery, AL with his good friend, John Tugwell, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August of 1969. He proudly served his country as a United States Marine while stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Corporal Delmar was honorably discharged from active service in 1971. While at Camp Lejeune, he was assigned to the Headquarters 2nd Field Artillery Group. His commendation medals included the National Defense Service Medal, Marksmanship Badge, as well as Good Conduct medals demonstrating his expert handling of a rifle as well as his character.

Neil lived out his life by the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis, - Always Faithful. He was a loving and faithful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend, always attentive to and looking after the needs of others. He loved his LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ and leaves a legacy of selfless service that others might emulate. His smile and laugher were contagious, and any time spent with “Pappy” was always a good time.

Once discharged from the Marine Corps in August of 1971, Neil met and wowed his future bride to be, Glenda Hawkins, while she was home from FSU on a weekend break. They dated over the next 4 years, and were married on June 21, 1975 at McIlwain Presbyterian Church, Pensacola.

In 1976, Neil was hired to serve with the Panama City Police Department. From that time on, Neil and Glenda made their home in Bay County, FL. Over the next 37 years, Neil also worked for a brief time with the Pensacola Police Department, but his greatest time served was with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. While at the BCSO, Neil enjoyed time spent in various divisions: patrol, narcotics, investigations, warrants, and transport. Neil retired from the BCSO in 2011 but returned a few years later to work part-time with his law enforcement family who he dearly loved.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, father, Neilson A. Delmar, Sr. and mother, Von (Galloway) Delmar. Even in death, Neil, as an organ donor, was able to give the gift of life to many others in need.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 43 years, Glenda (Lynn Haven); two amazing sons and their beautiful wives, Brian (Emily) Delmar and Jeff (Kristie) Delmar (Panama City); and nine precious Delmar grandchildren, Ethan, Karina, Caroline, Amelia, Hallie, Malachi, Levi, Julia, and Elias who will sadly miss their fun-loving and huggable Pappy. Neil is also survived by his three sisters, Glenda (Joe) Stanfa (Pensacola); Joanie Delmar (Pensacola), and Pam (Tom) Rayside (Canton, GA).

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 15th from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2350 Frankford Avenue, Panama City, FL followed by a Celebration of Life service beginning at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Neil’s memory to: Covenant Christian School at 2350 Frankford Avenue, Panama City, FL, 32405; Sheds of Hope, Mission to North America, PO Box 890233, Charlotte, NC 28289-0233; or Gideons International, 903 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL, 32401.

The Delmar family would like to publicly thank all the medical staff who so graciously and compassionately cared for Neil while in the Critical Care Unit of Southeast Health.

Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Cemeteries, Panama City, FL oversees the arrangements.


 

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