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Joseph Romack Obituary
Colonel Joseph C Romack, 87, of Panama City, FL passed away on June 20, 2016.
He was born in Sharpsville, IN on November 22, 1928, retiring in Panama City, FL in 1977. Joe joined the Air Force in 1952, and had a long career as a test pilot, instructor, veteran of both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and as an Aerospace Research Flight Test Officer. During this time, he earned many medals and awards including Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis L Romack and Carrie (Meadows) Romack, his sister Nancy Blue, and his wife Betty Sue Lindsey Romack.
Joe is survived by his three sons - Stewart Romack (Sydney), Bradley Romack (Libby), and Joseph Romack (Carol), grandchildren – Michelle Walker (Anthony), George "Skipper" Bondur (Leslie), Angela Marie Romack, Joseph Nathaniel Romack, Jack Harrison Romack, Justin Alexander Baldwin, Bradley Lindsey Romack, and Luke Joseph Romack, four great-grandchildren, and his loving companion of 13 years, Davelyn Capley.
The family will receive guests on June 25, 2016 at Lynn Haven United Methodist Church beginning at 1pm for visitation and a memorial service at 3pm. Following the service, friends and family are invited to attend a reception at Bay Point Yacht Club at 5pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted at www.southerlandfamily.com
Funeral Homes
100 E. 19th St.
Panama City, Fla. 32405
850-785-8532
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Romack
21 Entries
Shaun Reynolds
July 2, 2024
Great man! They just dont make MEN like this anymore. R.I.P jolting Joe!
Barry Gant
June 11, 2023
I was a student of Colonel Romack's at Gulf Coast Community College in the mid 80's. He was a great teacher full of knowledge and wisdom for aspiring aviators. I thoroughly enjoyed the many stories of his Airforce career from Korea where he flew the Mustang and Sabre, to Vietnam flying the Phantom. There were many humorous anecdotes and we all enjoyed them so much. I lost contact with him after I left Panama City, but thought of him often and used many stories or events he told m, as I taught new aviation students. I thought of him today as I watched a youtube video about the Phantom. I was sad,to learn of his death, but proud to have known this man who gave me so much knowledge. He was one of the good ones. Rest in peace Joe.
Barry Gant
Jeffrey Odegaard
January 23, 2017
I just seen Joe has passed away. Joe was a good friend with so many stories. Joe always brought his students to my father for checkrides. I spent so many afternoons at Skyranch talking to Joe. He was so full of knowledge and his life stories were endless. His career in the US Airforce always intrigued me. One of those very decorated veterans that never bragged just told it like it was. One very fine aviator. Joe was just a very good family friend. Safe journey on your final flight west Joe!
July 23, 2016
I asked Joe to teach me how to land in case my husband was unable. Joe told me " if it doesn't look right, if it dosen't feel right then go around." In the end I earned my pilots license and the title of " go around queen."flying was wonderful with Joe in the plane and terrifying when he stepped out. I will never forget setting and listening to his stories. It was great fun to have known him. He will be missed. Linda R.
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Dave Young
July 17, 2016
"Now SON, if you shove the throttle forward THAT fast and THAT clumsy on a big-ole radial engine, she'll give birth to a bale of barb wire."
That and half-a-hundred other romackisms are still alive as I Flight Instruct here in N. FL. God Bless you sir, you made me a better CFI and better man.
What a privilege it was to have learned at the feet of such a man.
James Robinson
July 8, 2016
Joe was the best instructor I have ever had the privilege to fly with and learn from.
James Robinson
July 5, 2016
What a great loss of a wonderful fellow pilot, military officer and friend. I had the great pleasure of flying with Joe as a student. We will miss you Joe. Kin Howard
Shaun Reynolds
June 25, 2016
Joe was my instrument instructor and by far the best instructor I've ever had. I still use what he taught me everyday, it was an honor to learn from and fly with him.
My prayers go to his family and friends.
R.I.P jolting Joe you will be greatly missed and never forgotten..
Skyman Thrasher
June 25, 2016
My prayers go out for the family and friends. RIP Burro.
Robert Hoyt
June 25, 2016
Thanks Joe for all the great flight training you provided. RIP
June 24, 2016
I WILL SEE HIM SOON HE WAS MY FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR. MADE ME LAND ON 388 POWER OFF YEARS AGO.HE ONCE SAID YOU WILL BE THE FIRST FOR IFR WITHOUGHT EDUCATION AND I MADE IT WITH THE MAN....
Jamie & Connie Warren
June 24, 2016
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We will forever miss Joe. Many fond memories. Football, Indy, Super Bowl Parties and so many more. Watch over us from above Joe! Go Noles!
Mike "Hooch" Cunningham
June 24, 2016
Joe, now that you have slipped the surly bounds of Earth, we will all miss you... we are making a donation to the Air Warrior Courage Foundation in your name.
The Tyndall River Rats
LT COL Michael H. Sarra, USA
June 24, 2016
With our deepest sympathy. May God bless you during this difficult time. Hand salute to another great veteran that has been called from the ranks.
Tina Skiba
June 22, 2016
It was my great pleasure to get to know Joe and to share a cup of coffee with him as he told stories of the many adventures of his life. He brightened my day every time he came to my office. I hadn't seen him for a couple of years because I moved away from Panama City but I always thought of him. May God bless your family as you go through this difficult time. I am quite sure Joe will be watching and protecting us all from above. RIP my friend.
Gloria Thompson
June 22, 2016
So sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing him through dermatology associates and always enjoyed talking with him and he was always smiling. He was such a nice man. ✝
Bill Mullins
June 22, 2016
Cherie and I are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Colonel, thank you for your service to our Country. Well done sir, till we meet again.
patsy pettigrew
June 22, 2016
I only got to work with Mr Romack for 3 weeks but he was a great man.my condolences goes out to the Romacks.Brad you and Libbey were awesome you are a great family just wish I had got to no Joe in his younger years. Patsy Pettigrew.
June 22, 2016
I only got to work with Mr Romack for 3 weeks but he was a great man.my condolences goes out to the Romacks.Brad you and Libbey were awesome you are a great family just wish I had got to no Joe in his younger years. Patsy Pettigrew.
Bill Rogers
June 22, 2016
You will be sorely missed by all who were privileged to know you.
Cindy Bodner
June 21, 2016
My thoughts and prayers for you all. I had the pleasure to be Joe's dental hygienist for several years. I enjoyed our many conversations. He always talked about his career and mostly his family. He will greatly be missed.
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