Caleb Joshua (Josh) Halley. The heart, soul and spirit of a true Seminole Warrior went to live with his Maker on June 25, 2015. Caleb Joshua (Josh) Halley was born November 27, 1981, in Panama City, Florida to Gene Halley and Vicki Loy. His early years were spent in Tallahassee, Florida playing baseball, football, hunting with his Dad and enjoying FSU sports. He was a wonderful big brother, "The Pro," to his little sister Megan. He protected and played with her always. He moved to Chipley in 1996 with his father and step-mother, Stephanie Halley and attended Chipley High School. Josh played baseball and varsity golf, was a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship for Christian Athletes, Key Club, Bible Club, and Future Business Leaders of America. He was the first President of Washington County SWAT (Student Working Against Tobacco) and was awarded the Lawton Chiles Youth Advocacy Award for his outstanding contributions and service. Josh graduated Chipley High School, Summa Cum Laude and was accepted into Florida State University's Honor's Program. At this time, Josh also began his honored service on the FSU Renegade Team as an apprentice to Chief Osceola until he earned his "seat" on the famous Appaloosa Renegade. In 2004, Josh became the 13th Chief Osceola and rode for the next four years. Josh's Seminole and Creek Indian heritage made him so proud to be part of FSU's dignified depiction of the historical Seminole leader Osceola, and his Appaloosa horse Renegade that began every home football game by riding to midfield with a burning spear and planting it in the turf. Josh also earned a Varsity Letter at FSU for his service as Chief Osceola and while at FSU was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After graduating from FSU, he was employed by Buddy's Seafood Market and enjoyed working with his some of his former high school classmates and friends. After several years at Buddy's, Josh took a four month break to fulfill a dream of hiking the Appalachian Trial. His funds ran out half-way through his trek but "Two Mules" (his given trail name from other hikers) had plenty of adventures to share. Josh had a passion for the God's creation and was happiest outdoors, in the woods, in the water, or building one of his wood projects.
Josh is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clarence E. Halley, Sr., Blanche Halley, Ruby Jackson and Billy Faye Burress, his step-grandmother; maternal grandparents John W. Loy and Romilda O'Dell Loy, and Aunt Geneva L Sugrue.
He is survived by C.E. (Gene) Halley, his father and stepmother, Stephanie Halley; Vicki Loy, his mother, and Megan Halley, his sister; Jim Burress, his grandfather; Jim Burress, III, his uncle; and over two hundred Halley relatives in Blountstown, Panama City and other Florida locations. Other survivors from his mother's family include many aunts, uncles and cousins from the Washington, D.C. area and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Friends were received on Monday, June 29, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for visitation at First Baptist Church in Chipley. Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Chipley with Pastor Mike Orr officiating. Pallbearers include: John Michael Halley, Blountstown, Florida; Will Mickler, Tallahassee, Florida., Matthias Schmarje, Bristol, Florida., and Travis Bass of Panama City Beach, Florida. Interment followed at Boggs Cemetery on Highway 20 in Blountstown, Florida. All arrangements are under the direction of Brown's Funeral Home, 1068 Main Street, Chipley, FL 850-638-4010. Friends and family may sign the online register at www.brownfh.net
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