Edward F. Livengood

Edward Franklin Livengood, 85, passed away on Friday, July 17. Mr. Livengood was born in Reedsville, West Virginia on September 30, 1934 and was the youngest of two children born to Albert Franklin Livengood and Thelma Orvetta Livengood (Chidester). He and his brother Glen grew up in Reedsville where he attended school and graduated from Masontown High School in 1952.

After high school graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served from October 31, 1952 to October 24, 1956. During his service to the Navy, he served on several aircraft carriers based out of Jacksonville. He received the following medals during his service to the Navy: China Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal (European Clasp), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. After honorable discharge from the Navy, he served in the United States Navy Reserve from October 25, 1956 to April 21, 1957. His final military service was with the Florida Air National Guard, where he served 37 years, 5 months achieving the rank of SMSgt (E-8), and was honorably discharged on September 28, 1994. Altogether, his total military service was 41 years, 10 months. He also attended Jones Business College where he pursued coursework in General Accounting. After his retirement, he enjoyed working at Heavenly Chocolate Creations making deliveries to customers and leaving them with a smile. Mr. Livengood loved sports. He played on adult leagues in the sports of flag football, softball and basketball. He even received an invitation to try out for the Pittsburg baseball team.

Mr. Livengood was married to Georgia Jacqueline Cox on October 27, 1955. They moved into their home on the Westside of Jacksonville, Florida in September 1959, and they raised sons Barry and Garry in that home and remained in the same home for more than 60 years. They were members of Macedonia Baptist Church for many years. Mr. Livengood will be best remembered by his family as a humble, kind, loving and caring husband, father and Papa. His highest priority was his family. He was an encourager and never had an unkind word for anyone. He enjoyed family get-togethers and parties and did his best to never miss one. He enjoyed supporting his sons and grandchildren in their athletic activities. He rarely missed a game or a tournament, and if he did it was because there was more than one event going on at the same time. The grandkids knew if they looked in the bleachers or by the fence, their Papa would be there. He also attended every school awards ceremony and was quick to tell his grandchildren how proud he was of them and their hard work. Mr. Livengood was a loving and supportive caregiver, first in assisting Jackie in caring for her mother, and then later when Jackie became ill, he was her primary caregiver for nearly a decade. He cared for her making sure she was able to stay in their home and made sure that she had every comfort during her lengthy illness. She was indeed the love of his life and he would have done anything for her. When she passed in February a part of his heart went with her. Not long after she passed, he faced his own health concerns. He agreed to live with family so that they could help care for him, sharing time between Barry’s and Garry’s homes. The families are so grateful to have had the honor and privilege of caring for him and to have had the quality time we had in these past months. He was truly a loving, kind and gracious man who was quick to say “love you” and “thank you” for everything.

Mr. Livengood’s civic outreach will be one long remembered in the hearts of the many he coached as youth in football, baseball and basketball at Normandy Athletic Association where he also served as President. He also later served on the board of Marietta-Bullsbay Athletic Association as Treasurer, where his grandchildren played sports. Mr. Livengood and his wife Jackie were also avid Florida Gator fans and season ticket holders for many years. They enjoyed tailgating and also sharing their tickets with their grandchildren to enjoy over the years. Mr. Livengood always had a smile to share with those he met. He shopped frequently at the Normandy Publix, where he was well known by the employees. Many friends have shared how they would run into him while shopping and he would always make time for a conversation and a hug. No matter where he went, it seemed that he knew someone. Mr. Livengood will also be fondly remembered as “Coach” to many who are now in their 50’s and 60’s. He was fondly called “Big Ed” by many and also “Papa Ed” by his grandchildren and their friends. He was a well-loved man because of the love he showed to so many others.

Mr. Livengood was predeceased by his wife, Georgia Jacqueline Livengood; his father, Albert Franklin Livengood; and his mother, Thelma Orvetta Livengood. Mr. Livengood is survived by his two sons: Barry (Jennifer) Livengood, and Garry (Renee) Livengood; 6 grandchildren: Ashton (Eric) Theodoridis, Garrett (Brittany) Livengood, Lauren Livengood, Hunter Livengood, Karlee (Jared) Henry, and Kenlyn Livengood; 2 great-grandchildren: Kyah Henry and Harper Theodoridis; one brother: Glen Livengood; brother-in-law James (Judy) Cox; nieces Joy Peterson and Judy Ballentine, and nephew Roger Cox.

Please join the family for visitation and viewing on Monday, July 27 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Westside Baptist Church, 7775 Herlong Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, July 28, at 11:00 AM, also at Westside Baptist Church. Ray Mayfield and Buck Burney will officiate.

Pallbearers include Barry Livengood, Garry Livengood, Garrett Livengood, Hunter Livengood, Eric Theodoridis, and Jared Henry.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Community Hospice, 5450 Ramona Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205 in the name of Georgia and Edward Livengood. This organization was important to Mr. Livengood because of the care they extended to Mrs. Livengood.