Harold David Eyerly

Harold or “Hal” as he was known was a long- time resident of Pensacola, having first been stationed there in the early 1950’s. Although, he was stationed several other places over the years, he finally settled there for good in the late 1950’s, until the death of his first wife Norma Jean in 1977. He re-married and moved to Maryland where he worked for the Department of Defense and was in the Naval Reserves. He later returned to Pensacola and retired from the Naval Reserves with rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1990.

He was very active in his retirement years, and enjoyed participating in activities at the American Legion Post #240 and the VFW 706. Hal held the office of Post Commander, District 1 Commander and Western Area Commander during his time at the American Legion. He often told me that he regarded the American Legion as his “other” family. He lived and breathed the “legion” and said that it gave him a reason to get up every morning especially when he entered his 80’s and 90’s. He loved calling Bingo (before it became automated), dancing, having a beer or two or three and especially loved to get on stage tell jokes and perform skits.

Even during his last years when Alzheimer’s had ravaged his mind, he had a smile for all the met, even when he could no longer speak or remember people’s names, he would smile, touch the hand of the person helping him. He has left a beautiful legacy of compassion and kindness that will live on through all the lives he has touched. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. It was an honor to have him near me here in California and to care for him at the end of his life, I will miss him deeply.