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ALAN PANKRATZ Obituary
Alan Gowing Pankratz, 79, Melrose, FL passed away on Friday, June 11, 2010. He was a lover-of-life, cherished husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor and fervent Gator fan. Alan moved to Florida in the 40s, graduated from Fletcher High School in Jacksonville Beach, FL. and then served in the U.S. Navy for several years. He received a BS/BA degree in Industrial Relations and Management from the University of Florida in 1956. Alan later relocated to Louisiana where he started a family and was a pioneer in the Kentucky Fried Chicken business, owning and operating several successful restaurants in the New Orleans area. In the 90s, Alan settled in North Florida and enjoyed an active life. He taught classes at Santa Fe Community College and also worked in the bookstore there. He was active in the community where he participated and served as President of the Fightin' Gator Touchdown Club; President of the Kiwanis Club, Mentor for the Take Stock in Children program and Senior Warden of Trinity Episcopal Church of Melrose.
He is survived by his wife: Margaret (Penny) C. Davis, Melrose, FL; children: Gail Pankratz Lindsey of Ruston, LA, John Alan Pankratz of Destin, FL, Jane Pankratz Allen of Thomasville, GA, Ann Pankratz Crochet of New Orleans, LA, Carol Pankratz Butler of Covington, LA, Gordon (Skip) Davis of Vicenza, Italy, Dixie Margaret Davis of Tallahassee, FL and Susie Cornell Davis of Atlanta, GA; fifteen loving grandchildren; and a number of other loving relatives and friends.
A memorial service and celebration of Alan's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 18, 2010 at Trinity Episcopal Church of Melrose, 204 Highway 26. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Haven Hospice (www.havenhospice.org), 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606; the Cancer Research Institute (www.cancerresearch.org), 1-800-99-CANCER; or, to support the Take Stock in Children Program (www.takestockinchildren.com). MORING FUNERAL HOME IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ALAN PANKRATZ
Ann (daughter #3) Pankratz Crochet
August 13, 2010
I'm having a rough morning. All of a sudden I'm missing my dad so much. Maybe because of school just starting. Dad always wanted to know all about the first few days of school and how his grandkids were doing. Maybe it's because of football season starting up. Whatever the case--- I miss and love you very very much.
Vickie & Dave Propst
June 23, 2010
Penny: Alan was a very dear and close friend to both Vickie and myself. He seemed to have learned that one truth in this world-and that is to "make joy for yourself and others". We will keep his memory in our hearts always. May peace soften this blow to you and your family. Vickie & Dave
Richard Geraci
June 16, 2010
Penny,
Glenda and I wish you're family and Alan's family peace in this time of need. Alan was not only a good friend but a fun person to be with.
The memories of out times together will live on with me.
He will be missed in the Geraci household.
The peace of the lord always be with you and Alans family.
Richard and Glenda
Tom Tumbleson
June 15, 2010
Alan was/is a man's man. He wasn't afraid, or too proud, to tell another man he loved him, or bend to help someone less fortunate than he, regardless of age, race, or sex. He was an asset to his community, had immeasurable passion for those things he truly loved, from his family, to his Lord, and certainly the "Gator Nation", and the FGTC that he loved dearly.
He was a dear friend to my family, Miriam, Nicole, and me, and will be greatly missed. I just hope that I travel down the road of life with suck passion, love for life, and grace, as my friend was able to do, even to his last days.
Love and wishes for peace with yourself and Alan, Penny, and the rest of the family.
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Kelly Pankratz Matte
June 15, 2010
Penny, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. I regret not getting to know Uncle Alan better, but I still have very fond memories of him from my younger years. He was a wonderful and loving brother to my dad (Lee Pankratz).
Bob Lynch
June 15, 2010
The Pankratz family has lost a great leader. As a fraternity/classmate/Gator colleague from the '50s, I too, will miss the man. We may have gone to the 1955 UF-Auburn game together to see the Gators lose again at Cliff Hare Stadium. I know he hosted me and Fred Pancoast for a New Orleans Gator Club meeting in 1966 to show the UF-produced Sugar Bowl film and I also recall sharing a verbal "We did it!" when we both were inducted into Grand Guard in 2006 at the Reitz Union. My condolences go to Penny, his children and grandchildren.
60th Class Reunion Picture
Jim Butler
June 15, 2010
Dear Penny,
It's been two years since our Fletcher Class of 1948 had its 60th class reunion and I am glad that we were able to make it and be with you and Alan once more. Alan and I had much in common even though we didn't see each other much after High School. We both played baseball at Fletcher, both were avid Gator fans, and both picked wonderful and loving wives. He will be missed by all and his memory will be with us always.
Jim Butler, DUF Class of 1948
Kate Butler
June 15, 2010
Dear Granddaddy, we knew you had cancer and it was sad but you will always be alive in our hearts.
Bruce Peters
June 15, 2010
Penny,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. It has been a while since I had seen you and Alan but you were always in my thoughts. God bless.
David Dehner
June 15, 2010
Penney and family -- Alan was and always will be a great friend who will be be missed. In the early years of the club it was people like Alan that made being a club member of the FGTC fun and the bus trips really special. Those memories are the one's I will alway cherish of Alan. Saw Alan at the club and he always made it so special when he saw you and seeing him was really great. I know he went home and is a Peace and will be missed by all his friends and clubs members but never forgotten. Always David Dehner FGTC member and Friend!!
Jay & Bonnie Hammack
June 15, 2010
Penny,
Bonnie, CeJay and I were so saddened to hear about Alan's passing. Words can hardly express how we feel, but rest assured, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will cherish are memories of Alan for the rest of lives. Tailgating for the Gator games won’t be the same without him.
June 15, 2010
On behalf of the entire staff of Blue Water Bay please accept our condolences on Alan's passing. It was a gift to have known Alan as an advocate of Trinity Episcopal and The Gator Nation, a true gentleman and diplomat, always a kind word on the behalf of others, a real person.
You will be missed my friend.
Byron Terwillegar
Melrose, Florida
NEAL & KALLY HERRING
June 14, 2010
Dear Penny and Family: May your Memories of Alan be Eternal.Alan was a very kind man. We are here to help you whenever you need us. In Jesus Name, NEAL & KALLY HERRING, Melrose, fl.
June 14, 2010
Penny--Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Alan will TRULY be missed by a lot of people, but none of us can know the emptiness you feel. The UF Joint Civic Club luncheon and the FGTC functions will not be the same without him. I'll never forget how Alan took John under his wing when John was about to take on being president of the FGTC. If there is anything we can do for you...now or later...please let us know. Love, John & Kay Howell
June 14, 2010
Dad, may you have eternal rest with your parents and brother up in heaven. My kids and I will miss you so much, but we know you are finally at peace. God bless you.
Love, Carol
June 14, 2010
Gail, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. Leslie Fielding Gagnet
Linda (Foley) Shelley
June 14, 2010
Dear Penny: my deepest sympathy to you and your family..I did not have the pleasure of knowing Alan but sure he gave you many happy days during your time together.
Linda Eubanks
June 14, 2010
Dear Penny,
Alan was such a special and considerate person and a mirror image of yourself! I will miss him greatly. I did not have the pleasure of knowing him but only a short time, but he was a great friend and neighbor! I will cherish our friendship! From my family to yours, we offer heartfelt condolences.
Don Larsson
June 14, 2010
I remember working with Alan in the Fightin' Gator Touchdown Club and enjoying every minute of it. Alan was a great buddy and an enthuastic, fun person to be with. My sympathies go out to Alan's family. The Gator Nation will miss a good one!
June 14, 2010
Alan,
Great memories.of a great guy..with a kind smile. No one could yell "Go Gators" louder than you. We send our condolences to your family.
Sincerely,
Roger and Cindy Daigen
Jerry Fischer
June 14, 2010
Thanks for all the great memories Alan, The trips to New Orleans, the roadie we all took to Fayetteville the first time we played Arkansas out there, and many others too numerous to mention.
See you Later Gator,
Jerry Fischer
Winder Georgia
(Where you can hear those puppies over in Athens Still Crying)
Tina Bullock
June 14, 2010
Alan was such a kind spirited person. He loved life and had many friends because of that love. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He was a great Kiwaniaan, serving in any capacity that he was called to do. The sign of a great man is taking responsibility and being able to forgive, this was Alan.
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