NICEVILLE, Fla.—Former Niceville High School educator and head baseball coach Jerry Colquitt, known by many in the community simply as “Coach,” passed away on Sunday, June 9.
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Mr Colquitt’s life will be celebrated on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Church on Bayshore. The Celebration of Life service will begin at 6:15 p.m. after visitation from 5 to 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear Niceville High School Eagles or patriotic attire to the service.
For nearly 30 years at Niceville High School, Mr Colquitt “passionately served, promoted, and cared for his Eagle students and families,” according to his obituary.
A veteran of the Army with two tours in Vietnam, Mr Colquitt’s “profound love for his nation continued beyond his military tenure as he spent his later years supporting fellow soldiers, airmen, and their families.”
His son, Jason, remembered his father visiting Eglin Air Force Base and distributing handwritten notes to servicemen and women to encourage them during the conflicts in the Middle East.
Mr Colquitt relocated to Niceville and started his teaching and coaching career at NHS in 1979, where he served as head baseball coach and assistant football coach.
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Obituary
Jerry Lamar Colquitt, 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2024, transitioning to eternal life. He left behind a profound legacy of love, faith, dedication, and service.
Jerry was born on November 1, 1946, in Brantley, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his father, Dick Colquitt, his sister, Janice Colquitt, his beloved mother figure, Faye Colquett, and his much-loved mother-in-law, Lula Bell.
Jerry is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Linda Colquitt. His cherished children include Jason (Laura) Colquitt, Kelly (Stephen) Hauck, and Shannon (Greg) LeBlanc. Jerry’s pride and joy were his grandchildren: Brianna Colquitt, Haley Hauck, Mallorie Colquitt, Cameron Hauck, Brantley Colquitt, Lillian Colquitt, Lula LeBlanc, and Kenzi LeBlanc.
He is also survived by his brothers, James Junior “June Bug” Colquitt (Patricia) and Ricky Colquitt, his beloved father-figure Raymond Colquett, along with a host of nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.
Jerry’s joy radiated through his deep and loving connection with his many friends and family.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Church on Bayshore, located at 622 Bayshore Drive, Niceville, FL 32578. Visitation will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by the Celebration of Life service at 6:15 p.m.
Prior to this service, in accordance with Jerry’s wishes, his wife, children and grandchildren will hold a private graveside service at Liberty Congregational Christian Church in Alabama.
Due to Jerry’s strong devotion to the Niceville Eagles, coupled with his profound patriotism and loyal service to our nation, attendees are encouraged to wear Niceville Eagles or patriotic attire to his Celebration of Life service.
Jerry’s military service began in 1967 with two tours in Vietnam. As a Purple Heart recipient and lifelong patriot, he devoted himself to serving his country. His profound love for his nation continued beyond his military tenure as he spent his later years supporting fellow soldiers, airmen, and their families.
After his military service, Jerry graduated from Troy State University and embarked on a fulfilling career in teaching and coaching. For nearly 30 years at Niceville High School, he passionately served, promoted, and cared for his Eagle students and families. Even after retirement, he remained a steadfast supporter of his beloved Eagles, earning him the affectionate title of “Coach” throughout the Niceville community.
Jerry’s devotion extended to the Christian family of believers at his church that he joined in 1979. The prayers and love from his Sunday School family, church congregation, and pastors helped sustain him through years of health issues. His unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior ushered him from the pain of a diseased life to an eternal pain-free life in Heaven. His warmth and generosity endeared him to many, and his memory will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Gideon’s International.
