Paul E. Ankrum

Paul E. Ankrum, 90, a kind, gentle, caring and honorable man peacefully passed from this life to Heaven on Saturday, September 26, 2015. He was born on January 16, 1925 in Chicago, IL to the late Elwood and Amy Ankrum. At the age of 18, Paul answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. He trained at Great Lakes Naval Station at Great Lakes, IL and was then stationed at the former DeLand Naval Air Station in DeLand, FL. He worked in communications in the Flight Control Tower and “Radio Shack”. He was honorably discharged in May 1946 as Seaman First Class.

While stationed in DeLand, he met the love of his life, Maryette Johnson of Pierson, FL. Paul and Maryette were married on August 25, 1948 in Pierson, FL and lived an inseparable life for 63 years until Maryette’s passing in December 2011.

After leaving the Navy, Paul earned both Bachelors and Masters of Music degrees from the Chicago Conservatory of Music in Chicago, IL. He also attended DePaul University, Indiana University, Florida State University, University of Iowa, and Daytona Beach Community College in pursuit of his love for music. In 1955, Paul and Maryette relocated to Florida, this time in Daytona Beach where he taught for 35 years as Assistant Professor of Music at Bethune-Cookman College. Although always the professional instructor, Paul cared deeply for his students and their success. He treated everyone with dignity and respect. One of his greatest highlights during those years at BCC was to be able to shake the hand of Dr. Martin Luther King after he had spoken at a BCC graduation service. It was before Dr. King became so well known, but even then Paul said of Dr. King “he had a presence about him that was undeniable”.

Paul retired from Bethune Cookman in 1990.

As an accomplished pianist, Paul loved all kinds of music but especially enjoyed classical and jazz. He enjoyed caring for his yard and mowed his own grass until age 85. He was a loyal Tampa Bay Rays baseball fan, win or lose, right up until his death.

Paul will be greatly missed by his “just like a daughter” Susanne Paisley, his former collegues and students, and many friends. A very special thank you to all of Paul’s former and current caregivers with Home Instead Senior Care and his care team with Halifax Health Hospice/Palm Coast. A Celebration of his life will be held on Friday, October 9, 2015 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, 118 N Palmetto Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL officiated by Pastor Jay Gibson. Visitation will be 30 minutes before the service. He will be buried next to his beloved Maryette following the service at Volusia Memorial Funeral Park, 550 N. Nova Road, Ormond Beach, FL. Memorial donations in his honor made be made to First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach Music Ministry Outreach or Bethune-Cookman University Music Students Scholarship Fund, 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach.