James Eubanks

Mr. James Wilhoit "Fiddler" Eubanks, 81, of Bristol passed away Sunday, January 16, 2011 at his home. Mr. Eubanks was born in Bristol to the late Bertus and Byrdie Eubanks. He attended Liberty County High School and was a veteran serving in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Wilhoit was very active in many walks of life. He was the previous owner of the Eubanks Service Station, Apalachee Restaurant, Pelt's Department Store and True Value. He was the first person in Florida to produce and retail catfish. He was also very civic minded, serving as a Liberty County Commissioner for several years and was also a member of the Lion's Club. Wilhoit was very proud to be an honorary charter member of the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch and stayed active working in the First Christian Church in Bristol where he was a member and supporting the Bulldog Club. In his retirement, he enjoyed growing citrus and watching his grandson play baseball and football. He is preceded in death by two sons, Bertus Lee Eubanks and Jerome "Todd" Eubanks. Survivors include his sweetheart for fifty-five years, Iris Eubanks; a daughter, Jeanine Eubanks Revell and her husband, Ricky of Bristol; a grandchild, James Lee Eubanks Revell of Bristol; three brothers, Paul Eubanks and his wife, Iona of Tallahassee, Silas Eubanks of Tallahassee and Johnny Eubanks and his wife, Beth of Bristol; three sisters, Doris Traylor of Blountstown, Dessie Marr and her husband, Bill of Collierville, Tennessee and Betty Traylor of Bristol. Funeral services will be held 4:00 p.m., ET Wednesday, January 19, from the First Christian Church in Bristol with Reverend Coy Collins, Allen Mathis, and Less Brown officiating. Interment will follow in the Lake Mystic Cemetery in Bristol. The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday at the First Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch, Bristol First Christian Church, or the Liberty County Athletic Association.