Hal Delman Whitacre, 80, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025.
A celebration of Hal's life will be held at Heritage Family Funeral Home on Feb 1, 2025, at 11:00am with Marcus Lipscomb officiating and with military honors provided by the United States Navy. Entombment will follow in Maury Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family will visit with friends on Friday, January 31st from 5-7pm at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Hal was born on August 7, 1944, in Huntington, Indiana, to Loren and Katherine (Shinkel) Whitacre. He now joins his beloved wife, Nancy, in heaven.
A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Hal dedicated 22 years of service to his country. Following his military career and retirement from commercial shipyards, he remained devoted to his faith as a member of New Freedom Church in Trinity, Alabama. Hal was known for his unwavering love for God, his family, and Alabama football.
Hal is survived by his loving children, Sheena (Armando) Bracamonte and Edward (Lisa) Simmons; his cherished grandchildren, Julián (Kelsey) Simmons, Tatiana (Jared) Hamilton, Ryan Simmons, and Courtney Simmons; and his great-grandchildren, Marissa and Gabriel. He also leaves behind his dear sisters, Keela Thorne of Sparta, Wisconsin, and Kathie L. Wilson of Huntington, Indiana, along with a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.
Hal’s legacy is one of faith, family, and service. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his kind heart, his steadfast devotion, and his contagious laugh.
Serving as pallbearers will be Julián Simmons, Jared Hamilton, Armando Bracamonte, Noah Huber, Benjamin Huber, and Derrick Brady.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to organizations supporting veterans or your local church in his honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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