The purpose of the Niceville Valparaiso Civic Hall of Fame is to honor and recognize those who have made broad and lasting contributions for the betterment of our community. The deadline for is June 15, 2019.
The Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for inductees to be presented into the Niceville Valparaiso Civic Hall of Fame. The deadline for entries is June 15, 2019.
The purpose of the Civic Hall of Fame is to honor and recognize those who have made broad and lasting contributions for the betterment of the Niceville Valparaiso community. Inductees are presented as role models to stimulate an interest in and an appreciation for the value of history and encourage community service on the part of others.
Currently, the Civic Hall has 16 members. Eight inaugural members were inducted in 2016; four were inducted in 2017, and four individuals were inducted in 2018. Most—but not all—of the inductees are no longer living.
Nominations are judged on the impact and influence the nominee has on the development and/or quality of life in the Niceville Valparaiso community and leadership roles in local/state/nation organizations, civic, educational, religious and/or service organizations including offices held and special recognition and honors (civilian or military) received.
Complete nomination guidelines and nomination forms can be obtained online here.
The 2019 inductees will be named at the Niceville Valparaiso Civic Hall of Fame Luncheon, July 17, 11 a.m., at the Niceville Community Center.
Table Sponsorships are available for $350 which includes a reserved table and lunch for eight attendees, recognition on the Chamber’s E-press Express and in the event program, table signage and recognition during the program.
Current members of the Niceville Valparaiso Civic Hall of Fame and their year of induction are:
- William John Nathey (2016)
- James Ellsworth Plew (2016)
- Ramonde “Rae” Ruckel Byrne Williams (2016)
- Walter “Walt” Ruckel, Jr. (2016)
- Plenn Howell Phelps, Sr. (2016)
- Lannie Corbin (2016)
- Francis Walter Spence (2016)
- Mayor Randall Wise (2016)
- Earl C. Talbot, Sr. (2017)
- Raimund Herden (2017)
- Rev. Dennis J. Brown (2017)
- Dr. David Goetsch (2017)
- Nancy Myers Grigsby (2018)
- Walker Vester Spence (2018)
- Jessie Alma “Granny” Edge (2018)
- Lt. General Gordon “Gordy” Fornell, USAF Retired (2018)

For more information, contact the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce at 678-2323 or [email protected].