Cdr Philip Clyde Pounds Jr.

Philip C. Pounds, Jr., 87, of Jacksonville, FL, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed peacefully Friday, February 17, 2017, at McGraw Community Hospice with his wife Bette at his side. Philip was born in Miami, FL and grew up in Ocoee & Deland, FL, where he graduated from HS in 1947. He joined the Navy in 1948, where he advanced in rate and rank from seaman to chief. He graduated from OCS in 1957 and was commissioned as an ensign. Later, he entered and graduated cum laude from the Naval Post Graduate School and was commissioned as a commander. Throughout these 25+ years in the Navy, he served as chief engineer, executive officer, and commanding officer on several destroyers and LSTs, including 2 tours of duty in Vietnam, where he served as a command evaluator. One of his other assignments was in the Pentagon. His last duty station, ending in 1974, was at the Naval Air Station, Glynco, Ga, where he was the NATTC Training Facilities Officer. He was awarded several medals: the Bronze Star, the Vietnam Service with Silver Star; and the Meritorious Service Medals. After retiring from the Navy, he worked for the State of FL at the Health & Rehab Services from 1975, before retiring in 1991 as a management systems director for several districts.

Philip will be missed by his wife Bette (Bohler Amara) Pounds; son, Richard; daughter, Francine (Kevin) Johnson; granddaughter, Tina (Matt) Zamora; great-grandchildren, Christian and Lauren; his children’s mother, Blondell Pounds; Bette’s children, Marie (Tony) Grezeszak, Chuck Amara, Michael (Susan) Amara, & Donny (Cathy) Amara; 11 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and devoted caregivers, Gabrielle Emille, John and Roslyn.

A celebration of life service will be held Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 11 AM at St. Paul UMC (8264 Lone Star Road, Jax, FL 32211) with a committal service including full military honors to follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be welcomed by St. Paul UMC or Community Hospice of Northeast FL, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jax, FL 32257.