Lavern Redfern

REDFERN, LaVern "Vern," of Gulf Breeze, Florida, passed away on December 9, 2010. He was born December 17, 1937 in Thomasville, Georgia to parents Ola Pittman Redfern and William Earl Redfern, brother Reid Redfern and sister, Mildred Redfern Phillips, all deceased. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1960 and soon joined the U.S. Navy and earned his wings as a Naval Flight Officer in 1961, flying C-130s and Constellations. In March of 1963, he married Bettie Larene Cannon Hilton, originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. She preceded him in death in January 1972, leaving him to raise their only child, Gayle Lynn Redfern Wells. He retired to Gulf Breeze as a Lieutenant Commander in 1982 where he enjoyed his pool and cigars, his Volvos and Shelties, and the occasional martini and lots of books. He is survived by his daughter, Gayle, now residing in Springboro, Ohio, with her husband Greg, and their children, Julia - 21, Tyler - 18, and Shane - 9, each cherished by the only grandfather they ever knew. Additionally he is survived by his dear niece who was more like a little sister to him, Faye Phillips Evans of Melrose, Florida, and his nephew, Bill Redfern of Thomasville, Georgia. His winks, ever present bad jokes, and boisterous laugh will be dearly missed by his family and many friends - especially his Navy buddies. Services will be held on Friday, Dec. 17, which was to have been his 73rd birthday, at 1:00 p.m. at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church Chapel, Main Campus. "You'll always be my favorite little Daddy."

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