Retired Master Sergeant Lem Vinson Soles

Lem Vinson Soles, known to his friends and family as “Buddy,” passed on Saturday 12-December-2020 at home surrounded by family and loved ones, at the age of 85.  Lem, a long-time resident of Milligan, Florida was born 07-September-1935, in Andalusia, Alabama to P. D. and Elmira Soles. Lem would become the third eldest sibling of seven. The Soles family moved to Crestview, Florida when Lem was fairly young. Lem graduated from Crestview High School in the Class of 1953 and enlisted in the United States Air Force.  Soon after enlistment, Lem married Opal Rae Courtney, of Milligan, Florida in April of 1954.  Lem, Opal, and their two children lived in several parts of the world as Lem proudly served as a Communications Specialist in the USAF.  After serving 20+ years, Master Sergeant Lem V Soles, “Buddy,” retired and he and the family returned to their permanent residence in Milligan, Florida  After returning home, they were able to reconnect with friends and family and spend more time enjoying their favorite hobby, fishing.  In addition to fishing, Lem became an avid, licensed member of the Ham and CB Radio community.  He developed a home based repair business for many local radio operators. 

Lem was preceded in death by his loving wife Opal, his parents P. D. and Elmira Soles, and his eldest sister Laura Wilkerson. 

Lem is survived by his daughter, Sonja Ann Spirakis, of Cantonment, Florida; his son, Lem Roger Soles, of Milton, Florida; grandson, Christopher Charles Gravat, of Harvest, Alabama; four sisters; one brother; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, December 17, 2020, at Davis-Watkins Crestview Memorial, 492 E. Pine Avenue, Crestview, Florida, 32435. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 A.M. at Live Oak Memorial Park Cemetery, 112 N. E Street, Crestview, Florida, 32536, with full military honors.  **Masks will be required at the visitation.