Errol Lascelles Panton

Errol Lascelles Panton lived a wonderfully full and purposeful life. Alongside Andrea, the love of his life, they raised their children—Samantha, Kendra, Leah, and James—instilling in them values of integrity, loyalty, compassion, and purpose. Through his example, they learned the importance of a strong work ethic and that true success is not achieved at any cost; some things are more important. These lessons were passed down to his grandchildren—Alexandra, Christopher, and Logan—each in their unique way. Errol was his family’s greatest advocate and protector, making his daughters feel safe and cherished. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Errol was the eldest of three sons to Lascelles and Ivy Panton. He lived in Kingston until he pursued higher education, first at Lincoln College near Chicago and later at the University of Miami, fleeing the cold for warmer climes. He was always proud to be a “Cane.” After graduating, he returned to Jamaica to help run his father’s business. In the mid-1960s, a chance meeting at the Sheraton bar with an American woman on vacation changed his life forever. Despite being stood up on their first date, Errol and Andrea married on January 31, 1969. Their life quickly became full with the arrival of their children: Samantha in 1969, Kendra in 1972, and Leah in 1978. Each daughter embodies aspects of their father, carrying his best attributes into the world. In 1986, after splitting time between vacations in South Florida and living in Jamaica, the family moved permanently to Plantation, Florida, and later, in 1996, to Tallahassee, Florida. Errol made a significant impact in each place, achieving professional success, which he equated with taking care of his family—the most important thing to him. The year 2000 was not just the start of a new millennium for Errol and Andrea, it was also the beginning of a whole new adventure when they adopted their grandson, James, who immediately became the sun and moon to them both. The family continued to grow with the births of Alexandra and Christopher in 2003 and Logan in 2009. Each grandchild, though unique, reflected the values Errol and Andrea passed down. Errol’s hobbies were few but cherished. He loved horses and horse racing, finding joy in his horse farm in Jamaica, Sun Valley Farms, and watching races on TV. He enjoyed boxing, sharing stories of attending fights with Andrea. He delighted in good food, especially a well-cooked piece of fish. Above all, he loved his family. His perfect world was one where his whole family got along, breaking the cycle of previous generations. He loved sharing stories with his children and grandchildren. Most of all, he adored his wife, Andrea. When she passed, his world darkened, but he now finds peace in reuniting with her. This world was blessed when 83 years ago, Errol Panton was born, and it is much emptier and darker without him in it. To say he will be desperately missed is the greatest of understatements, but his legacy of love and values will continue to live on through his descendants for generations. Errol is preceded in death by his wife Andrea. He is survived by his children, Samantha, Kendra (husband Shane), Leah, and James; grandchildren, Alexandra, Christopher, and Logan; brothers Desmond and Donald; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. On Saturday July 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM the funeral service will be held at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church (2015 Fleischman Rd) with burial to follow at MeadowWood Memorial Park (700 Timberlane Rd). After the service, family and friends are invited to share happy memories and celebrate Errol’s life after in his home. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Big Bend Hospice as thanks for all they did for Errol to provide peace and comfort in his final days and all those in need of care and comfort in our community. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Panton family with their arrangements.

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Errol Lascelles Panton

March 1, 1941 - June 20, 2024