John Arnold Stanhagen, Sr.

John Arnold Stanhagen, Sr. 1938-2016 John Arnold Stanhagen Sr., 77, long time resident of Gulf Breeze passed away peacefully on January 8th after a short stay in GB Hospital and a lengthy fight with Alzheimer’s. John was born on October 4, 1938, in Martinsville, VA. In 1953, he and his parents moved from VA to Gulf Breeze. John attended A V Clubbs School, Pensacola High School and played basketball where he was All State under Coach Shorty Sneed. After high school he attended Marion Military Institute and joined the Army. After his tour of duty he was reassigned to the National Guard Reserve. Although his personality was bigger than life, he loved to joke and tease but had a tremendous work ethic. His banking career started in 1963, with First Bank and Trust, Barnett Bank and finally First Florida Bank. He touched many lives through banking. Once retired from banking, he worked for Shoreline Transportation as Comptroller. He was a member of First Baptist Church, life time member of the Optimist Club and participated in many other civic organizations. John loved all things involving sports. He spent many years with the Gulf Breeze Sports Association coaching the local youth. Never meeting a stranger, John’s exuberant personality netted many life-long friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, Ken and Betty Stanhagen, and his step-son Dan Renfroe. John is survived by his wife of 42 years Peggy, children John Stanhagen (Debbie), Meredith Davis (Frank), Chris Renfroe (Michele) and his grandchildren: Brent and Katie Stanhagen, Hayden and Hunter Davis and Ryan and Devin Renfroe. The family would like to thank the staff at Gulf Breeze Hospital and Covenant Hospice at West Florida Hospital for being so kind and compassionate. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Gulf Breeze or the charity of your choice. Pallbearers include: Kenny Joyner, Moose White, Ron Pfeiffer Sr., Ron Bullard, Ken Miller and Dave Bush. There are many honorary pallbearers as he had many friends. A celebration of John’s life will be held Saturday, January 16, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Gulf Breeze. Visitation will be 10:00am-12:00pm with the service immediately following. Burial at Bayview Cemetery at 1:45 p.m. Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with the arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com

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John Arnold Stanhagen, Sr.

October 4, 1938 - January 8, 2016