Edward Vohn Jeffords

Lake Wales, FL -- Edward Vohn Jeffords, 77, USN Retired, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and proud citizen, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday morning, September 5, 2013 following a brief yet bravely fought battle with cancer.

Preceded in death by his parents and loving wife and mother of his children, Ellen Fitts Jeffords, left to honor his memory are his devoted wife, Shirill K. Jeffords; children Stephen and Alison Jeffords, Walter and Connie Jeffords, Bob and Sylvia Jeffords Jones, Katherine Jeffords and John Volkmer, Richard and Michele Jerome and Michael Southworth. He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Raymond Jeffords, and two sisters, Jackie Nowicki and Marie Moore.

Ed “Jeff” Jeffords was born in Washington, DC and served our great country, which he dearly loved. Jeff dedicated his service for 23 years as a Navy Diver and EOD Technician. During his career with the US Navy, he served on the Presidential Dive Team under President R. M. Nixon. In 1966, he assisted in the raising of one of three nuclear bombs from the waters off of Palomares, Spain and also helped with offshore initiatives such as the 1962 lifting of a sunken chlorine barge in the waters near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Many of his missions and duties were confidential and spanned the globe.

Following his retirement from the military, he worked for over a decade for the Circuit Court of the City of Virginia Beach, then enjoyed his second retirement fishing, boating and advocating for the interests and protection of US Veterans across the nation. Jeff loved his country dearly and cherished the many connections he made with friends and colleagues worldwide.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Ed “Jeff” Jeffords will be held at Hollomon Brown Funeral Home, Lynnhaven Chapel, in Virginia Beach, Virginia on Saturday, September 21st, 2013 at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you lovingly send donations to Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale, Florida, or to the US Military Veterans’ organization of your choice.