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Phillip Amerson Obituary
Phillip was born in Lake City, FL and moved to Gainesville in 1964 after the death of his father William Broward Amerson in 1962.
Early in life Phillip married Paige Runyon and together they had a beautiful daughter Cynthia Michelle. Phillip's first job was at Gulf Hardware in Gainesville. To fulfill a lifelong dream, he went to the police academy and was hired by the Alachua County Sheriff's Office in 1982. During Phillip's career, he was a Training Deputy, spent time in Uniform Patrol, Crime Prevention, and TAC Unit. Phillip was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1993. In 1996, Phillip and Paige ended their marriage but not their friendship and the love they shared for each other and their daughter Cynthia.
In 1997, Phillip and Kelly Gamble met at the Alachua County Sheriff's Office and married on March 31, 2001. Phillip met new challenges of once again raising a young child, Lindsay, Kelly's eight year old daughter. Lindsay always thought of Phillip as a father and loved him dearly.
Phillip finished his law enforcement career in 2004 in the Court Security Bureau. In October of 2006, Phillip was hired as an Inspector with the City of Gainesville, Public Works, Solid Waste Division where he remained until his passing. His co workers and supervisors were considered his family away from home.
Phillip loved doing for others and helping out where he could. He was a genuine man, full of life, full of laughter and left this world way too young at age 55.
I love you my darling husband, our father, our Papa, our brother, our friend; you will be deeply missed and never forgotten. May God Bless you.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street, with Dr. Don McGarity, Lt. Steve Maynard and Inspector Robert Wright officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Central, 4100 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606.
In lieu of flowers ,those who wish may make memorials to Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc. P.O. Box 2000, Boys Ranch, FL 32064.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Amerson
Mark Avera
August 6, 2022
Kelly, the world is a different place 10 years after losing Phil. My gosh, how the world so very much needs more Phil Amerson´s in it today. And that, to my mind, says volumes on how much we all miss Phil.
Sending my best to you and your family.....
Michael Dowell
October 11, 2020
Phillip and I were classmates when we attended Howard Bishop Middle School. At the time, he lived in a big red brick house with a separate building that served as a garage and apartment near the Duck Pond.
I remembered a period of time when he was sick with a bug and I would go over to his house everyday and spend time with him watching television and talking about items of interest. I never saw any of his family due to the fact that his parents worked and he was all alone, but, we had the opportunity to raid the kitchen for some snacks.
While I lived a half mile to the east of him, we rode our bikes around his part of the neighborhood and he showed me items of interest and where some of our classmates lived.
Over time we got busy with our lives and did not see each other very much, but, I do remembered him working at Gulf Hardware later and thinking that he was lucky to have such an interesting job.
I always wish that I had more time to spend with such a good friend. The flow of Life takes us in directions we never imagine. It is always good to hold on to those positive memories that make us what we are.
Gina Hawkins
August 18, 2012
I am saddened to hear of Phil's passing. He was such a kind man. My heart goes out to all of his friends and family during this difficult time.
With sympathy,
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Trish Everitt
August 17, 2012
What a great loss to each of us in some way as Phil has touched so many lives....he was one of the kindest people I ever knew and I always enjoyed working with him. May we relish in his memories and smile when we do!
Bridgett Singleton
August 17, 2012
I love you little brother, till we meet again some day you'll always be in my heart. Your Sister
Barbara
August 16, 2012
So sorry to hear of the death of Phil. He was a great guy. I worked with him at the courthouse and will always remember how kind he was to everyone and how he worked with Administration to ensure that the courthouses remained safe for all.
Lindsay
August 15, 2012
To our family and friends;
Words cant express how much we all miss Phil. Nothing will ever replace that void in our hearts. He was a great man, great husband, great father, great papa, great brother, great son, and the list could go on. Im sure when I say he will greatly be missed everyone is agreeing with me. A man of constant jokes, and a fun loving attitude. I can remember walking into a store and talking to almost everyone in it with Phil. He never met a stranger. Its took me a few days to be able to express my feelings, but I wanted to continue on and write how i felt. For those of us who knew him were lucky to have met a man like Phil, he will be truly missed by all.
Phil,
I will never forget you, you were one of a kind. For the past 17 years you have been in my life as my step dad, and for the past 7 years as my kids Papa. There are so many memories that I will forever keep with me, singing to Christmas music during the holidays at all hours, to the long motorcycle rides on the back of your bike, to simple things like cooking dinner for you and mom. I will never forget. The pictures of you surround us, and the memories in our heart. Words cant express how we deeply miss you, your laugh, your smile, youe "buddy - o- pal" comments, just you being you. I love you and miss you so much. My you rest in peace, and I know everything will be alright, cause Jaelyn needed her Papa too (thats what the kids remind me).
Carol B
August 15, 2012
I worked with Phil at the Courthouse. He was such a kind and caring person. He will be greatly missed.
Claire Bulatewicz
August 15, 2012
Phil was a kind and loving man and will be missed. My heart goes out to his wife and family. It was a blessing to have known Phil.
Ed Newmans
August 14, 2012
Sorry to hear about your loss. I went to school with Phil, but I have not seen him in a long time!
Jerry Gaffney
August 14, 2012
I am just a citizen of Alachua County that met Phil Amerson only once in my life. I was in the Court House in 2002 and needed assistance. I was struck by the kindness and caring that Phil showed while helping me with a problem. Many Court Deputies come across with a very "controlling" attitude. Not Phil, he was kind, caring, helpful and Professional all at the same time. I will never forget what he did for me.
Stan Tileston
August 14, 2012
To all of Phil's family,
Ditto to all that has been written. We are all 10-51(enroute), just different ETA'S Hope to see you again my brother.
Until then,
Stan
Theresa Spurling-Wood
August 14, 2012
To Phil's family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Phil always smiled and joked with me while working at the Lowe's event. He always gave his very best. I feel honored to have worked with him.
August 14, 2012
To all of Phil's family,
I am very sorry to hear of Phil's passing. Phil was a good friend. He always had a kind word and a smile.
May God be with you and strengthen you;
Martin Snook
August 14, 2012
Kelly and family, Be strong and cling to each other. The Lord loves you all and desires you to confide in Him at the loss of a wonderful husband,dad, brother and friend. We all will surely miss Phil. Love you, Stuart and Everall Peele
Christine Ricci
August 14, 2012
It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to Phil. I met Phil over 20 years ago while dating a fellow sheriff deputy. We spent time with him and his wife at his lake place and I always remember Phil as someone who always had a smile on his face. He was a great story teller and just an overall amazing individual. I'm blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing Phil. My prayers go out to his loving family and friends. God Bless.
Christine Ricci
August 14, 2012
You will be missed. You were always so kind and helpful. You made a wonderful memory in our hearts forever.
Shirley & Charlie Hunt
Michael Dowell
August 14, 2012
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Phil. I have always had great memories of hanging out with him after school during our middle school days, watching TV, riding our bikes around the neighborhood, or being involved in some great adventure. I would run into him ocassionally to see how he was doing. He always was a very nice and caring person. He will be greatly missed as he was a part of our lives.
Joni Rollen
August 14, 2012
I have worked with Phil at the Solid Waste Division for over 5 years and it never ceased to amaze me how genuinely good he was. He was always willing to help anyone and so sensitive to others. Phil loved a good joke and he kept our office entertained with his special form of humor. He had a wonderful gift for making everyone, not just smile, but actually laugh on their worst days and believe me he knew and he would always be there. Phil, I am going to miss you and will never forget that fun loving twinkle in your eye just as you delivered your punch line.
August 14, 2012
Bridgette, your brother was an outstanding man. He was one of the most pleasant persons we ever met. He responded to our call to the City, when we needed assistance, a few years back. We chatted with him at that time and had hoped our paths would again cross; we look forward to that happy opportunity, yet to be, in Heaven. You spoke fondly of him, often, when we were neighbors back in the Eighties. I know you loved him dearly and will miss him until you meet again. I never had the pleasure of meeting Phil's immediate Family, but my heart goes out to them. They must be very special, for they were and are Phil's Dearest Ones. May God bring comfort to all of you.
Bob and Shirley Reid
Megan Kittles English
August 14, 2012
Our loss is the Lord's gain... another angel to look down upon us. I've known Phil since I was a Sheriff's Explorer and learned a lot from him through the years. I thank God for his life and the impact he made on us all.
Susanne Olivas
August 14, 2012
Phil was such a special person and his passing leaves a huge hole in our division. He was my buddy, my pal and my life has been enriched for knowing him. He made coming to work fun. My heart goes out to all his family.
Pete Backhaus
August 14, 2012
I've known Phil for many years through our overlapping law enforcement careers and employment with the City. He was a truly gennuine, friendly, helpful person; someone who you knew you could go to if you needed something and it would be taken care of. Phil was quick with a smile, someone you enjoyed being around. He will be missed. My condolences to the family for this great, unexpected, too-soon loss.
Pat Amerson
August 13, 2012
I love you little brother. I hope to see you in heaven some day.
Borie Hudson
August 13, 2012
I worked for Sgt. Amerson whille at the courthouse. He was a great supervisor who had a strong working relationship with his people. My prayers go out to his family in their time of sorrow.
John Nobles
August 13, 2012
Dear Kelly, So very sorry for your loss. I will never forget Phil. He was an excellent deputy and it was an honor to know and work with him. God bless you and your family. John & Debby Nobles
Theda Stewart
August 13, 2012
I first met Phil while we were in elementary school. Our older sisters were best freind. Although we did not often see each other, our paths crossed enough to keep us in touch. After Cynthia was born,I watched her while Phil and Paige worked, and our daughters became freinds. Tricia and Cynthia have remained close. I was blessed to have seen Phil, just last month. Although I had never had the pleasure of meeting Kelly, I could tell that they had a close relationship, and he spoke fondly of her.Kelly and the whole Amerson family, May God hold you in the palm of his hand and comfort you during this time.Phil was truly an amazing man, and will be missed by all that knew him.
chrisanna
August 13, 2012
I am so sorry about your father's passing.
Chris McLellan
August 13, 2012
A Great man, an excellent Deputy Sheriff, a great friend to all that knew him, God Bless You Phil....
Beth Cowart-Eddy
August 13, 2012
There are no words for the pain that grief brings. We must have Faith that we are just passing through this place to our everlasting life. He was such a good father,husband, and friend. My prayers go out to the entire Amerson family. RIP,Until we meet again.
Theda Stewart
August 13, 2012
I have known Phil since elementry school,our older sisters were best freinds as well.Our paths crossed many times thoughout the years,and kept us in touch. After Cynthia was born, I baby sat her while Phil and Paige worked and our daughters became freinds. Tricia and Cynthia have remained close throughout their lives. I was blessed to have run into him again just last month. Although I never was formally introduced to Kelly, I could tell by the interactions between her and Phil, that they had a very special relationship. My thoughts and prayers are with her, and his whole family. He is an amazing man, and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Randy Dyson
August 13, 2012
A kind ,gentle and caring man indeed, I will always remember our motorcycle ride to St. Augustine and your love of the old school bikes. Thanks for leading by example.
Sharon Cruce-Wooding
August 13, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tricia Garzon
August 13, 2012
Deeply saddened and shocked to hear this news. Cynthia, Paige, Kelly and the rest of your amazing families, I am so sorry for your loss as I know what an important part of your lives Phil was. I have so many fun memories of him cooking out in the back yard, trips to the zoo and of course Cynthia's infamous halloween birthday parties and sleepovers. Thanks for the memories. May you rest in peace and bask in the glory of our Lord for being such an amazing man, community servant and most importantly father and grandfather. Your legacy lives on in the beautiful family you created. God Bless.
August 13, 2012
Kelly,
My heart goes out to you and your family. We are thinking of you during this time. Ralph and Chris Williams
Steve Bonett
August 13, 2012
Phil was my friend and neighbor. He made me laugh and we had many great times together. He would literally give you the shirt off your back if thats what you needed. He was kind and generous. I cannot count the number of times he has helped me and my family. Word alone cannot express our feeling of loss.
Michelle Thompson
August 13, 2012
My prayers are with the family. I work at the Civil Courthouse and knew Phil. He always had a smile on his face and knew all the deputy clerks by name.
Marci Brown
August 13, 2012
So very sorry for your loss Kelly. Phil always had a big smile both while I worked at the courthouse and when I would come back to visit.
John & Rita Worley
August 13, 2012
Phil was a wonderful man. We grew up with him in Gainesville and enjoyed visiting with him in the neighborhood. His smile and friendship will be missed.
Dell Anne Hines Afzal
August 13, 2012
To the family of Phillip Amerson:
I grew up in the general farm area of the Amerson children and went to school with Patrick 'way back when'. The farm community where we all lived still holds such dear memories for me.
It was only in the late 90's that I met Phillip since he was younger than I and we developed a bond that always held a lovely smile and many times sweet laughter in the halls of the Courthouse when our paths crossed. He was very interested to pick my brain of the times back in Lake City and try to learn more of the early days there and I succeeded in some ways but not in others.
I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing but also know that our loss is absolutely Heaven's gain.
Phillip's human suffering (for we all have them at one time or another) is now complete and I'm sure he has received his reward for a life well-lived.
I hope each of you will learn to accept that his trials and tribulations are now over and he awaits just over the other side with his dearly beloved mother and all the rest of his family who have passed before him. It truly is now a beautiful reunion, I'm sure.
My prayer goes out to each and every one of you that your hearts will begin to heal and you will receive the rich blessings of knowing he awaits each of you as well.
Keep looking into nature and keep your memories deep in your hearts and souls and you will receive that peace of mind that comes with acceptance.
Patty Stark
August 13, 2012
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
August 13, 2012
Kelly,
Dara and I liked Phil and remember him after all these years. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Eric Silverberg
Paul Smith
August 13, 2012
Condolences to the Amerson family I knew Phil from the court house he was a wonderful person and he was a great boss,he will really missed,the Amerson family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Baxley Boucher
August 12, 2012
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. Kelly and family,my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I was honored and blessed to know Phil for the past 28 years. I first met Phil when I was babysitting for his neighbors children. Our paths crossed again in 1991 when I joined ASO and Phil was assigned to be my training officer. Phil was an amazing man who had a kind, gentle, caring and giving heart. I know he was greeted at Heaven's gate and told "well done my good and faithful servant". Phil touched many people and he will be greatly missed.
August 12, 2012
Kelly,
I'm so sorry to hear about Phil. His smile and laugh were gifts to everyone who knew him. Its my prayer for you and your family that grief passes quickly and you begin to recall the smiles and laughter again soon.
Nick Vellis
Regina French
August 12, 2012
Kelly,
I'm so sorry to hear about Phil. May you find comfort in the memories of the love he shared with you. He and I had some good times at ASO. He had such a great smile. I won't be able to attend the services but I'll be thinking of you and your family.
Lestine Ford
August 12, 2012
Kelly, we are deeply sorry about your loss. It was a loss for all of us in the neighborhood. Phil was a very kind neighbor even to my dog Obie. I'm praying much for you and your family.
Carrie Priebe
August 12, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kelly and family. We were honored to know such a wonderful, caring man, that loved everyone and was as the laugh of any get together. Kelly, we will not be able to make the services, but please be asured that our thoughts are with you. You need ANYTHING, we are a phone call away. Love always, Carrie and Devlin Priebe
Donnie Van Wie
August 12, 2012
It's never easy to put into words, what your heart is feeling. Phil was one of the kindest and most fun loving individual's anyone would love to be around. As one of my past supervisors, Phil always carried himself with such professionalism, integrity and fairness when working with the public. Phil was always patient and understanding, yet firm when he needed to be, and I appreciated every bit of it. I learned a lot from Phil, and will always be grateful for him.
Kelly, and family, I am saddened for your loss, but know this, Phil will forever be in your hearts.... His soul is rejuvenated and amongst God and family. God Bless you and your wonderful family and may He hold you in the palms of His hands for everlasting love & protection~
~The Van Wie's
Dennis Ondrako
August 12, 2012
Cyndi and family- You are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, we are here for you. The both of you are such great people and am very happy to have you for our neighbors.
Hipps Family
August 12, 2012
We will miss you so much. You were a husband, brother, dad, father in law, papa, and so much more. You ment so much to us all and will be missed dearly!
Hipps Kids
August 12, 2012
Papa,
We miss you, and we will keep you with us all the time. We are left with all the good memories of you. We love you!!
wrote by Austin
Natalie Williams
August 12, 2012
Kelly and family - I am so very sorry to hear about Phil. Please know you have many praying for you during this difficult time. May God offer you comfort.
Eileen Anderson
August 12, 2012
My deepest sympathies. I have very fond memories growing up in the neighborhood with Phil. Whenever I would run into him around town, he was still the kind, caring, thoughtful person I had known as a child. He would often tell me about the latest child added to his family. Family was very important to him.
Jennifer Kverneland
August 12, 2012
Cyndi and family- You are all in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything that you need we are here. Your daddy may not be here but he will always be present in things that you see or places that you go. He will always be in your heart. Always. I have always said it is " how we were raised" that makes a difference. Well- together he and Paige raised an amazing daughter. You will carry him with you today and forever and the wonderful ways he taught you will be instilled in your girls XO
Robin Folsom Dubas
August 12, 2012
I cannot believe Phil is gone. I've known him since the Gulf Hardware days, and last saw him a month or two ago. Phil was one of the nicest, kindest people I have ever know. God bless Phil and him family, he will be truly missed.
Barbara Wittwer
August 12, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Phil at Public Works. He was a kind and compassionate soul and genuinely cared about people. I remember one time when he discovered that our daughters had a mutual friend who passed away at a very young age, he came to my office to talk about how we knew her and had tears in his eyes as he spoke of his memories of Brandy growing up. My heart goes out to his family and my thoughts will be with you during this difficult time. Please take comfort in knowing he meant a lot to all who knew him.
Kim Stobbie
August 12, 2012
So sorry for your loss- your dad always had a big smile and huge heart! Thinking of you all!- John and Kim Stobbie and family
Mike Amerson
August 12, 2012
You will always be loved & missed Uncle Phil. Thank you so much for the many days & nights filled with laughter & great memories. You assuring words & advice has helped me in many ways. I will never forget them.
August 12, 2012
unbelievable! so sorry for Phil's early departure. he was a fun-loving guy and neighbor at lake who was always willing to help in any way. take care-frank andj pamela stafford ocala florida
Kevin Rolfe
August 12, 2012
Deepest sympathies for Phil's family. Phil was a respected colleague and friend for many years. He will be missed by many.
Kelly Amerson
August 12, 2012
Phillip, my dearest husband. Words cannot express the overwhelming sadness I feel. You are the love of my life and will do everything in my power to make you proud of what I have done with "our" future plans. May you be at peace. Claudie and Barley "your boys" miss you terribly. I love you and must let you go in presence but never in my heart or thoughts.
Your loving wife, Kelly
Mark Avera
August 12, 2012
Phil worked for me when I was at ASO. Not only was he one of my favorite deputies; he was always one of my favorite people. The description of how kind and caring he was is so very true. Phil could always be counted on as a co-worker and as a friend. I know he is going to be missed. So sorry I will miss the services.
Mark Avera
Cindy & Scott Hedgcoth
August 12, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Zina Johns
August 12, 2012
So sorry for your loss. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
Cynthia Gaston
August 12, 2012
I love you Daddy! I will always carry you inside me sharing memories with your precious Granddaughters.
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