Bernard Villar

Bernard Villar 1923-2016 Bernard Villar, 92 years, departed his time on earth peacefully surrounded by his loving family into the arms of our beloved Lord on May 25th, 2016, to join his wife, Norma Lee, the love of his life since the day they met. Bernard was a man who devoted his whole life to his family. He inspired his family every day, taught us by example, and inspired loyalty, love, strength, honesty, humility, integrity, discipline, and forgiveness. He was an anchor and lived each day unselfishly and for others. All who knew our father, Bernard, respected him. Bernard was preceded in death by his treasured wife, Norma Lee (Martin-Hays); his parents’: mother, Bernarda Bacelar y Losada Villar; and Vicente y Alvarez Villar; wife, Norma Lee; Norma’s family: biological mother May Carver; biological father, William Martin; adopted parents, Lester and Mona Hays; daughter, Kathlyn Kuntzman (surviving husband, Scott); and son-in-law, Robert Ford. Bernard is survived by his affectionate family: his daughters’: Tina McKenzie, Maria Willett, Theresa Ford (Bob); his son: Paul Young; his Grandsons’: Jake McKenzie; James Catches, Jr.; and John Chapman (Tina); His granddaughters’: Christina Williams (Mark); Debra Ford; Felicia Ford; and Lisa Vest (Kenny); Great Grandchildren: Kylie Williams; Dylan Williams; Dustin Williams; Mandy Coyner (Chris); Tara Sims (Christopher); Kristian Bates (Matt); and Cheyenne Kellum; His brother, Frank Villar (Alejandrina and children); God Children: Erskine Williamson (Kimberly); and Joyce Valickas; Patty Ramella, who he embraced as a daughter; John Valickas (Joyce), who he embraced as a brother; and numerous other family and friends. His mother and father were residing in Galicia, Spain and on their journey to the United States; Bernard was born on August 21st, 1923 at the home of relatives in Havana, Cuba. After Bernard’s birth the family continued their journey to Newark, New Jersey where they made their home. Bernard began working at the age of 12 years working to help the family during the Great Depression. He held many Aircraft Maintenance and Power Plant Mechanic positions prior to joining the Navy, which he served for 28 years (20 years active duty). His Naval experience included Administration, Personnel Management, Staff Planning, Aircraft Maintenance, and Operations and a designated Naval Aviator. He retired July 1st, 1971 as a Lieutenant Commander. Bernard’s positions: Helicopter Training Squadron Eight-Senior Primary Flight Instructor (1967–1971); Naval Air Facility-Monterey, CA-Administrative Officer (1964-1967); Aircraft Ferry Squadron 32-Administrative Officer (1962-1964); Staff, Commander Taiwan Patrol Force/Fleet Air Wing 1/Patrol Force 7th Fleet-Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Plans and Readiness and Special Weapons Officer (1960-1962); Naval Air Station-N. Island, CA-Military Personnel Officer (1957-1960); Helicopter Utility Squadron 1-Officer in Charge Deployed Unit/Squadron Operational Coordinator (1955-1957); Aircraft Utility Squadron 7-Squadron Power Plants Officer/Ordinance Officer (1953-1955); Tinker Airforce Base. Oklahoma City, OK-Flight Service Mechanic Civil Service (1951-1953); Pacific Automotive Corp., Linden, NJ-Aircraft Engine Build-up and Installation Mechanic (1949-1951); and Lockheed Aircraft -Service, Inc., Sayville, L.I. N.Y.-Aircraft Flight Line Mechanic (1948-1959). After retiring from the Navy Bernard graduated Cum Laude on August 17th 1972 from the University of West Florida (UWF) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. Other educational history: Pensacola Junior College (prerequisite courses for UWF admission with 4.0 GPA); Stewart Technical School of Aeronautics; Aircraft and Aircraft Power Plants Mechanics (CAA Certification and FAA License obtained upon graduation). Military education/training: Naval Flight Training; Designation a Naval Aviator; Naval Helicopter Flight Training; and Nuclear Weapons Employment School. Bernard obtained a Civil Service position after graduation from UWF on 4/26/1972 at Financial Systems & Support Division, NAS, Pensacola, FL; He voluntarily retired on 8/1/1988 as a Supervisory Systems Accountant. A funeral service will be held at 11:30AM on Friday, 6/3/2016, at Faith Chapel South with Brownsville Assembly of God’s Senior Pastor Dr. Evon Horton officiating. The family will receive friends at 10:30AM prior to services. The burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, FL. After the burial service, a celebration of Bernard’s life and journey to Heaven will be held at 5404 Admiral Doyle Road, Pensacola, FL. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy., Pensacola, FL entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.co.

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Bernard Villar

August 21, 1923 - May 25, 2016