Jerry Bailey Champlin

Jerry Champlin, 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Navarre, Florida on August 21, 2022. He was being cared for by his devoted wife Bettye and his sister-in-law Katherine McSorley.
Born on November 1, 1930, in Bremerton, Washington to Guy and Tina Champlin.
Jerry was proud of his long, accomplished career in the US Navy. He entered the Navy after high school and was accepted into the Naval Cadet Program at the age of 22. He served as a pilot, flight instructor, and intelligence officer along with many other positions he excelled at. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander and enjoyed his time in Ford Island, Hawaii; Whidby Island, Washington; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and Pensacola, Florida.
After retiring from the Navy at the age of 42, he went on to retire from a second career with the State of Florida.
Jerry was an avid reader and lover of easy listening music. He dabbled in photography and enjoyed cooking his famous silver dollar pancakes and key lime pies for his grandchildren.
Jerry was always surrounded by laughter because of his legendary jokes and outrageous stories.
He and Bettye loved to travel. They preferred to drive and enjoy long conversations along the
way.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Guy and Tina Champlin; his brother, Pete; and his first wife, Ethel Champlin.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bettye; daughters Leslie (Ed) Mitchell, Jodi Champlin White, and Kim (Mike) Celis; sister, Denise Ziganti; 15 grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Katherine McSorley.
A service celebrating Jerry s life will be held at Lewis Funeral Home Navarre Chapel, 7794 Navarre, Florida 32566 on Thursday, August 25th. Visitation will be at 12:00pm with funeral service at 1:00pm.
The family will hold a Committal Service on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Barrancas National Cemetery.