Ricahrd Steven "Rick" Everitt

Richard "Rick" Steven Everitt, 73, of Panama City, Florida, passed away at his home on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Born on July 13, 1952, Rick grew up in Washington County and graduated from Vernon High School in 1970. He went on to attend Troy University, where he played football, founded the first Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter on campus, and earned his bachelor's degree in Social Rehabilitation with minors in Psychology and Physical Education. He later completed his master's degree in Guidance and Counseling, also from Troy.
On December 23, 1972, Rick married the love of his life, Nancy-a partnership that would grow into nearly 53 years of unwavering devotion, humor, purpose, and friendship. Their marriage was the foundation of their family and the center of Rick's heart.
Rick's life was defined by service-bold, compassionate, and unrelenting. After leaving Troy, he became the first juvenile probation officer in his area, a role in which he immediately began transforming how youth were served and supported. He also became one of the youngest board members at Ozark Assembly of God, where he taught young married couples. Even in these early years, Rick displayed the vision, faith, and determination that would shape the rest of his life.
During this time, Rick developed an innovative juvenile prevention network serving children in their homes, schools, courts, community centers, residential programs, and detention facilities. In 1976, he became the Southeast Alabama Youth Services Director of Residential Services, where he designed programs that changed the lives of thousands. Under his leadership, the first Girls' Group Home-and soon after, the Boys' Group Home in Ozark-opened their doors, offering structure, stability, counseling, and educational access to youth who needed it most.
In 1978, Rick developed the first Diversion Center, a model program that expanded to serve seven counties and earned national recognition for its success, serving more than 5,000 children a year.
After eleven years in Alabama, Rick returned home to Florida and began a remarkable 32-year career with the Panhandle Area Educational Consortium (PAEC). His natural leadership, creativity, and ability to envision solutions where others saw obstacles shaped programs that strengthened school districts across the region. Rick earned multiple awards for his educational media productions, including the 30th Anniversary Classic Telly Award for "Veterans Day: Honoring Our Heritage" and a 2009 Telly Award for "Real Science in the Real World," both as Executive Producer.
Rick was also the 2010 recipient of the prestigious Adele Graham Award, recognizing his tireless statewide advocacy for school volunteer programs. His commitment to improving educational opportunities for all children left a legacy that continues to impact classrooms, teachers, and families today.
A master diver, Rick once saved a child from drowning after the boy became trapped in a pool drain-an act of courage that earned him public commendation but, to Rick, simply felt like the right thing to do.
Rick loved his community, his state, and his alma mater. He remained a loyal Troy Trojans fan from the moment he first suited up in a garnet helmet. And while he also celebrated his heritage as a lifelong Seminole-complete with war-chant CDs playing on game days-his family always knew Troy held a special place in his heart. No one cheered louder after a Trojan win than Rick.
He was funny, a visionary, an includer, a helper, a problem solver, an encourager, and a mentor. He was the kind of man you hope every man would be. The kind of man God creates with rare intention-meant to guide, to strengthen, and to make everyone around him better.
He was larger than life, but none of those mattered as much as who he was as a husband, father, and grandfather. While his accomplishments were many, you wouldn't find him talking about any of those. You would find him talking about his family.
Rick is preceded in death by his mother, Joy Everitt; his father, Waller Everitt; and his sister, Debbie Lovett.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy, his partner in all things and with whom he would have celebrated 53 years of marriage on December 23; his daughter Andrea (Johnny); his grandsons Lane and Brayden (Grace); and a countless number of people whose lives were shaped, steadied, or forever changed by Rick Everitt.
Rick's love for his family was deep, unwavering, and the truest reflection of who he was. His daughter, Andrea, was his pride and joy-the one he encouraged, protected, and believed in with a father's whole heart. And for all 28 years Andrea and Johnny have been married, Johnny was a son to Rick in every way that mattered-loved, trusted, and cherished as deeply as if he had always been part of the family. To Rick, she was not just his daughter, but his greatest earthly blessing and the person he wanted nothing more than to support and cheer for in every season of her life.
His grandsons, Lane and Brayden, brought him a joy that words rarely captured. He celebrated every milestone, every success, every moment of their lives as if it were his own. He poured into them the same strength, faith, humor, and guidance that defined his character. They were, in his eyes, his greatest legacy. When Brayden married Grace, Rick considered it one God's greatest gifts-he adored her, welcomed her, and loved her as his own.
Rick was larger than life, but the truest measure of him lives quietly in the hearts of those he loved deeply and those he helped without hesitation. He was the kind of husband, father, grandfather, friend, and leader God shapes with purpose, releases with strength, and sends into this world to change it for the better.
And he did-profoundly.
The family will hold a visitation on Saturday, November 29th, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Baptist Church in Panama City, with a celebration of life to follow at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Andrews Christian Care Center.
Heritage Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Richard "Rick" Steven Everitt.