Jack Edward Eddins, one of the last members of the greatest generation of World War II American Army Veteran heroes, left this world Monday November 16, 2020 for his eternal life, at age 96. Jack was born August 25,1924 in Waycross, Georgia. He was predeceased by his parents, Ruben and Willie Mae Eddins, brothers Charlie and Billy, twin sisters Christine and Christelle. His wife Bertha Beatrice of over 60 years, whom he called "Bertha love" and "cotton top".

Jack moved to Panama City, Florida as a young boy with his parents and siblings. He helped farm and work in his parent's restaurant and cafes'. One being "Dixie Café", previously McKenzie Park.   While attending Bay High his senior year, at age 19, he was drafted into the army. He was installed at Camp Blanding, Florida and then onto New York City Harbor for deployment overseas. Jack boarded the "Queen Mary", the largest luxury cruise liner at the time, dubbed "Grey Ghost" stripped and reconfigured as a wartime hauling vessel for troops and armament. He was part of the 120 ^th Infantry Division. Jack was also part of the 5 ^th wave in the Normandy Beach Invasion. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge as part of the U.S. Army's 30 ^th Infantry Regiment Divisions heroic stand at the Battle of Mortain, in France 1944. The 30 ^th Infantry Division Unit was awarded the French Presidential Unit Citation, the top honor for heroism and bravery. While fighting German soldiers and tanks day and night for justice and freedom never surrendering ,he was shot twice and survived to tell about it in real time, as well as on the History channel series "Against All Odds". After returning from his deployment, Jack received several honorable stars, bars, stripes, citations, including a purple heart. On March 17,2020 President Donald Trump awarded his 30 ^th Infantry Division the United States Presidential Unit Citation, recognizing the veteran soldiers against incredible odds during a critical battle on Hill 314. The heroic stand of the men along with Jack on Hill 314, was instrumental in stopping the German troops and tanks until the arrival of General Patton's' 3 ^rd Army. Jack was one of 300 left alive from his unit on that bloody hill.

Jack returned from war just shy of 1000 days later, along with Dempsey Baron, later known as Senator.

To complete and receive one of the 1 ^st GED certificates from Bay High School.

Jack married the love of his life Bertha. He then started his law enforcement career at the Panama City Police Department as a police officer for five years. He then moved on to his long-lasting police job as Head Base Security in Panama City Beach, known as Naval Homeland Security at the Navy Base. After 37 years of service there, he was inducted into the Navy Coastal Systems Station Homeland Security Hall of Fame in 1995.

After retirement he and Bertha traveled the globe, sometimes RVing with family and friends alike, never meeting a stranger while making a lifetime of adventurous memories.

Jack was one of the founding members of The Woodlawn United Methodist Church at Panama City Beach, est. 1957, where he was still a member. He was a senior member of the Woodlawn Community.

Jack was an honored recipient of many U.S. stars, stripes, bars, and citations for his bravery and courageous acts during wartime.   Jack loved to read, learn, and experience history, languages, the world, and Gods' universe. He was a marksman, a seasoned chef, and a master gardener. He loved the great outdoors; hunting, fishing, crabbing, or just enjoying nature as in bird watching. He gathered, prepped, as well as singing and entertaining. He was the perfect host. His army nickname was "Seafood."

For he truly was a southern boy by birth, family founded by Gods' grace and salvation, never wavering from his morals. Never tiring of great courage and valor in the face of danger, throughout his life. Our very own true American hometown war hero.

Jack leaves a lifetime legacy and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. His biological family, his wonderful close friends, church family, as well as his neighborhood family friendships. Gone too soon for us left behind.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 1 pm in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12-1 pm prior to the service.