Daryl Alfrey

Surrounded by his loving family, Daryl Austin Alfrey, 62, was called home on February 28, 2021. He lived with gratitude and in service to his family, friends, community, and country.

Daryl was born on February 8, 1959, in Conway, SC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene Austin and Joyce Marie Alfrey, and his brother, David Lee Alfrey.

Daryl grew up in Polk County, FL.  He embraced the unique opportunity of living along the lakes of Central Florida. He enjoyed searching for Indian artifacts, arrowheads, and fossils, and was a water-loving, outdoor enthusiast. He graduated from Auburndale High School and Stetson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. While there, he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

His love of country led him to become a pilot for the United States Navy. He served his country as a P-3 Orion Pilot stationed at NAS Jacksonville, and as a T-34 Instructor Pilot at NAS Pensacola. He was able to continue his passion for flying when he was hired by Delta Air Lines. In his 33 year career, he was a Captain for 24 years. He was a Flight Engineer and First Officer on the B-727, a First Officer and then Captain on the MD-88, a Captain on the B-757, B-767, B-767-300ER, and finally, the B-767-400.

His career complemented his adventurous side. He loved exploring unique places all over the world, always embracing the various cultures and languages. He believed in the importance of family, hard work, and the impact a smile could bring to a person’s day. He never met a stranger along his journeys, and he loved telling stories from his travels. Daryl and Rose’s love of travel and adventure was instilled in their children through family vacations, scuba diving, boating, fishing, exploring the ocean, and numerous other family traditions. He was a member of the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church and the Community Life United Methodist Church, as well as the Pensacola Beach Elk’s Lodge.

He leaves behind his beloved wife and fishing partner of 38 years, Roseann; two daughters, Erin Bevis (Troy) and Amanda O’Connor (Clarke); his son, Michael Austin Alfrey; granddaughter Emilia Rose Bevis; two sisters, Jeannie Carroll and Leigh Ann Morris (David); and many nieces, nephews, and extended relatives; as well as friends whom he loved like family.

A memorial Service will be held on June 12, 2021, at the Community Life United Methodist Church, Gulf Breeze, FL. Receiving line will be at 10:00 am, followed by a service at 11:00 am. Rose Lawn Funeral Home, Gulf Breeze, FL, has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the wonderful and caring doctors, nurses, and staff at the Moffitt Cancer Center, Gulf Breeze Hospital, and the Ciano Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation.