Neil Charles Chamelin

A gentle man with an unforgettable smile, Neil Charles Chamelin, born om New York City on January 16, 1942 to Dr. and Mrs. Isidore Chamelin passed away October 12, 2023 in Deland, Florida. Neil is survived by his wife, Vicki, sons Chris of Tallahassee and Todd of Oviedo; his adored granddaughters Tally, Casey, Laney and Jessy Chamelin, Oviedo; nephews Mike Wood (Linda), Kevin Wood (Mindy), Mark Wood (Diane) and nieces Teri Gavin and Julie Perry. Neil grew up in Sarasota, graduating in 1959 from Sarasota High School where he played in the high school band and was the ringmaster for the high school Sailor Circus. After attending FSU for two years Neil transferred to Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI where he met his wife, Vicki. Upon their graduation with bachelor degrees in criminal justice they moved to Florida where Neil pursued his interest in law, graduation from Stetson University College of Law in 1968 and Vicki became the proud mother of their two sons. While attending law school Neil taught criminal law at St. Petersburg Jr. College, later becoming the Director of SPJC’s administration Division before moving his family to Athens, GA to become the Director of the Police Science Division, Institute of Government, University of Georgia. Living in Athens they became avid Georgia Football fans. Although they loved their Georgia Bulldogs Neil moved his family to Tallahassee accepting the position as Director of the Florida Police Standards and Training Commission and Director, Standards and Training Division, Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Neil was a much sought after speaker and teacher who wrote several text books in criminal investigation which are used in college’s today. He was delighted his legacy for writing was passed down to his granddaughter Laney, who last year at the age of 14 wrote “Every Breathe You Took” soon to be published by Amazon Publishing. His teachings took him to Germany where he was Director of Criminal Justice Programs, Troy State University, European Region. Neil and his family traveled throughout Europe during their two years in Germany returning to Tallahassee in 1982. While living in Tallahassee Neil became and active booster and President of Leon High School Swimming and Diving Association, President of the area Tallahassee Aquatic Club, 1992-93 President of Springtime Tallahassee and a supporter of the Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Football Program where his son Chris was a coach for nineteen years. He and Vicki were die-hard Silver Chief Seminole Boosters for over thirty years. Upon his retirement as an Assistant State Attorney, 2nd Judicial Circuit in Tallahassee, Neil and Vicki moved to DeLand, Florida to be closer to their granddaughters. He was proud of Tally and Casey, each attending Florida Colleges on Academic Scholarships, Laney the writer and Jessy, a star lacrosse player. Although Neil suffered from ataxia and essential tremor, a genetic neurological disorder, he attended as many functions for “his girls” as possible. He supported his Seminoles and Bulldogs from the comfort of his much loved recliner. In his memory donations may be made to: University of Florida Foundation for Movement Disorders P.O.Box 101243, Gainesville, FL 32610, all donations are tax deductible and will be used for research in movement disorders. A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Bevis Funeral Home. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)

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Neil Charles Chamelin

January 16, 1942 - October 12, 2023