Ramon Luis Torres, Jr. - March 2, 1953 ~ December 3, 2020
Dedicated Family Man and Friend
Ramon Luis Torres, Jr., a longtime resident of Shalimar, Florida, went to be with the Lord peacefully, with his wife by his side, on Thursday, December 3, 2020. He was born on March 2, 1953 in Puerto Rico to Ramon Luis Torres and Eneida Torres. He is survived by his wife of nearly 48 years, Nora Torres of Shalimar, FL; children, Ramon Luis Torres, III of Fort Walton Beach, FL, Cristina (Daniel) Weber of Oviedo, FL, and David (Kelly) Torres of Shalimar, FL; grandchildren, Avery Torres, Ramon Cruz Torres, Daniel Weber, Dylan Weber, Davis Weber, Emma Torres and Finn Torres; mother, Eneida Torres; sister, Eneida Likes; brother, Ivan (Ana) Torres; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Military Service
Ramon was a retired United States Air Force veteran with many awards and decorations. His service career in the Air Force Special Operations Community, as an Air Commando, took him on many historical military missions around the world including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada) and Operation Just Cause (Panama) to name a few. He was very proud of his military service and had a strong love for this country.
Generosity of Spirit
Ramon had a kind, generous heart and compelling smile wherever he went. He was a Corvette enthusiast and enjoyed many friendships and activities with his friends in the Sunset Vettes Corvette Club. He also enjoyed fishing, shooting, and spending time on the family property, Triple T Ranch. Ramon was also a fun-loving practical jokester with a great sense of humor. Most of all, Ramon loved his family and always put them first. He was proud of his heritage and his family name. Ramon was a stellar husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, mentor and friend.
The family would like to thank and acknowledge Dr. Yuan Wang, Dr. John Chaney and Dr. Hilton Weiner, in addition to the sweet and caring nurses, at the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center for their respect and kind efforts towards Ramon and his family during his time in the ICU.
Gene Eller - November 23rd, 1940 - August 7th, 2020
Gene was a man of integrity, bravery, loyalty, and intelligence.
Sherman Eugene Eller was born in Columbus, GA November 23rd, 1940. He attended Jordan HS where he was a member of the Marching Band ’54-’58, Concert Band ‘54-’58, Clarinet Choir ‘56-’58, Honor Band ’55, and Woodwind Choir ’56-’58. He graduated in 1958. The quote under his Senior Year picture was “Nothing fazes him…incomparable sense of humor”, which was so true throughout his life. We will all miss his smile, stories, generosity, and sense of humor.
Gene's Military Service
He joined the United States Air Force in July 1959 and retired in July 1986. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Troy State University during his time in the service. As a Flight Engineer on the AC-130 Gunships (the most feared weapons systems on the planet) he was decorated and honored for his many missions and service. He participated in combat operations in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. He also participated in Operation Eagle Claw (Iran Rescue Attempt), Operation Bield Kirk (El Salvador), and Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada). After a distinguished military career he joined Lockheed Martin as a Senior Staff Engineer & Marketing Manager until his retirement July 2006. In retirement, he continued as a consultant with Lockheed Martin.
Retirement
Gene loved to travel, golf, sail, and of course drive his Corvette. He loved a good Scotch and was an excellent cook. He also loved to go out to good restaurants. When he did go out, there weren’t many people that didn’t know him. You could often find him at his favorite place, Tisano’s Garlic Grill in Bluewater Bay, where he would buy you a glass of wine.
Gene served as the President of the Special Ops Spectre Association, President of the Water Oaks Homeowners Association multiple times, and was very involved with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation which was very dear and near to his heart. He was a member of the Sunset Corvette Club and loved showing his Corvette at car shows wining a few awards along the way. Rest in Peace, Ghost Rider.
Hugh Thomas Kendall - January 3rd 1945 – May 7th, 2018
Hugh Kendall
Hugh was there at the birth of our club and also served on our board of directors. Hugh loved driving his Corvette and here is a shot of him taking a few hot laps at Talladega Speedway.
Hugh Kendall
Upon his passing Hugh was honored at the national level with his life story of service being entered into the Congressional Record. Truly, a remarkable man.
Hugh had an incredibly generous and kind spirit that will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace Hugh.