Harold Bernard Eddins, "Hal," 89, of Panama City, passed away on Monday, December 22.

Hal was born on August 6, 1925 in Frisco City, Alabama to Riley Bernard Eddins and Mattie McKinley Eddins. He graduated from Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Alabama and joined the United States Navy where he served in San Diego, California and Japan until the end of WWII. Upon his return, he attended the University of Alabama where he majored in Accounting in the School of Commerce & Business Administration. He pledged Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and met the love his life, Theresa Starling of Panama City, who shared his life for 61 years.

Hal was devoted to his work and spent his entire career with J. C. Penney Company, starting as an auditor in Atlanta and becoming the executive assistant to three successive CEOs in the company headquarters in New York City. During his tenure with Penney, the family lived in Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Cincinnati, and New Jersey. While in New Jersey, Hal served in various capacities at Scotch Plains Baptist Church and served on the board of the Good Samaritan Hospital in New York City.

Following his 35-year career, Harold and Theresa retired to Panama City to be close to family. Hal was an active member of First Baptist Church, Panama City, and was an avid supporter and worker for Salvation Army. He was a long-standing member of the Panama City Rotary Club where he was awarded the Paul Harris Award. Hal was devoted to his alma mater, and held office in the University of Alabama National Alumni Association. He was a member the Krewe of Dominique Youx and was devoted to the Emerald Coast Red Elephant Club where he served in numerous positions.

Hal loved his Lord, his family and his many friends. He loved his church, his home, the city of Panama City and he loved the University of Alabama and Alabama Football. Roll Tide!

He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa Starling Eddins, sister, Evelyn Eddins Barron and brother-in-law, Bishop N. Barron. He is survived by his children, Louise Estelle Eddins and Harold Bernard Eddins, Jr., daughter-in-law, Eileen Lowe Eddins, two grandchildren, Samantha Jean Eddins and Riley William Eddins, aunt, Lorraine Eddins Davison and niece Brenda Barron.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 28th in Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Panama City, 640 Grace Avenue, Panama City, Florida, 32401 or to the charity of your choice.