William Edgar Vines

William Edgar “Bill” Vines, 91, went to be with The Lord on Sunday, June 2, 2019, following a brief illness. He was born in Crenshaw County, AL, to James Clayborn and Rebecca Isabell Vines, née Elmore. He was a member of the Baptist faith, a Mason and member of Glendale Lodge No.225 F&AM.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Carmie Jean Vines, née Colvin; two brothers, Freddie Morgan Vines and Carlson Boyles Vines; and a daughter-in-law, Judy L. Vines, née Rutan.

He retired from the U.S. Navy after 26 years of service as a Senior Chief Petty Officer, having enlisted during the end of WWII, with numerous at-sea deployments during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.  Bill and Jean raised their family through many Navy moves including New York City, NY; Puerto Rico; Washington, DC; Guam; Norfolk, VA; and San Diego, CA, before returning to the South and settling in DeFuniak Springs, FL.

Following his retirement from the Naval Service, he joined the United States Postal Service as a rural letter carrier in North Walton County and retired with 20 years of service.  At the time of his passing, he could still recall his North Walton County mail route, the names of each family, and which mail boxes often contained a little surprise of cake, pie or homegrown vegetables.  

Bill leaves an enduring legacy:  He loved to tell stories from his life as a farmer’s son and of his naval career.  He had a deep appreciation and love of the outdoors, enjoyed walks in the woods, taking long drives through the country and could name virtually any plant or tree in the southeastern United States.  Later in life, he was an avid whittler, who enjoyed giving away his handmade canes to his visitors.  Gracious, kind and hospitable, he was a man of quiet and unshakable integrity, generous to anyone in need, and took his greatest satisfaction in his family. 

Bill is survived by his beloved family, including two sons, Keith Vines (Faye), Destrehan, LA; Mark Vines (Carol), DeFuniak Springs, FL; and a daughter, Patricia Vines-Herbener (Scott), West Hartford, CT; four grandsons, SSGT Benjamin Vines, USMC, San Diego, CA; Alexander Vines, Metairie, LA;  Joshua Vines (Sarah), Saint Rose, LA; and Jeremy Vines, DeFuniak Springs, FL; three granddaughters, Rebecca Vines, DeFuniak Springs, FL; Adelaide and Annabel Herbener, West Hartford, CT; and one great granddaughter, Charlotte Jean Vines, Saint Rose, LA.

Additionally, he is survived by two dear cousins, Reginald Vines (Helen) and Linda Phillips; four wonderful sisters-in-law:  Betty Jean Vines, Dorothy Drake, Shirley Colvin, and Loretta Moseley; and many loved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, it was Mr. Vines’ wish that memorial donations be made to any children’s charity or any charity benefiting wounded and disabled veterans and their families.