Biography

J.P. Eggart was born January 3, 1918 in Pensacola, FL. He was a lifelong and faithful member of First United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities, including chairman of Administrative Board and as a charter member of the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School class. He graduated from Pensacola High School and the University of Florida with a degree in Business Administration.

After his marriage to Nellie Berry on October 20, 1940, they settled in Pensacola where they raised their two daughters, Mary Catherine and Janis. Shortly thereafter, J.P. began working as an accountant at Hygeia Coca Cola Bottling Company where he remained for 42 years until his retirement in 1983. He also served his country during World War II.

Nellie was born in Alachua, FL on March 26, 1917 to Lemuel and Frankie Berry. Nellie grew up in Alachua and graduated from Alachua High School where she played as a guard on the girls’ basketball team and graduated third in her class. She graduated from 20th Century Business College in Gainesville. While attending the college she met J. P. Eggart. After J. P.’s graduation, he and Nellie were married on October 20, 1940. J. P. brought Nellie to Pensacola where they lived throughout their 57 years of marriage.

Nellie was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church and the Wesley Fellowship Class and United Methodist Women since 1940. She served on many committees and put in numerous volunteer hours. She died on May 31, 1999 at the age of 82.

Recipients

1999 Derek Wienert
2000 Nathaniel Wienert
2001 Scott Wienert
2002 Emily Glasser
2003 Amelia Schmid
2004 Scott Blackmon
2005 Nick Noyes
2006 Nick Noyes
2007 Dianne Gross
2008 Stephanie Early
2011 Elizabeth Wenzel
2012 Thomas Pierce
2013 Lauren Alexandra Mitchell
2014 Mark Hibyan