Obituary for Everett Lee Achilles
Everett L. Achilles, 72, of Valrico, passed away on February 4, 2021, with his wife Shirley by his side. Everett was born in Barnet, Vermont, to the late Kermit (“Pete”) and Nancy (McCoy) Achilles. He grew up in Muskegon, Michigan, and graduated from Mona Shores High School. He completed his undergraduate studies at Lyndon State College and went on to earn his M.Ed. from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. He was the beloved husband of Shirley (Provoncha) Achilles, and they shared 50 years of marriage together. They reared their family in St. Johnsbury, VT, and have lived in Florida for the last 17 years.
In addition to his wife, Everett is survived by his daughters, Nicole Heald of Lithia, FL, Corinne Venizelos and her husband Nicholas of Oldsmar, FL; his grandchildren Cami, Kaitlyn, and Parker Heald of Lithia, FL; sisters, Carole Achilles of Palm Harbor, FL, and Jan Achilles of Clearwater, FL; and many nieces and nephews. Everett was predeceased by his parents and siblings Patricia Wagner and Richard, Ronald, Donna, and Arnold Achilles.
Everett served in the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division, and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Early in his career, Everett taught health and physical education in Barnet, VT, and coached basketball there. As a graduate assistant at UNLV, he taught archery and tennis. He was assistant basketball coach of men’s basketball at Lyndon State College, and at a later time was the coach of the women’s basketball team at LSC. Always a skilled woodworker, he changed his career path when he fell in love with the historic restoration of covered bridges and historic barns. For many years he traveled extensively around the country working on restoration projects.
Everett was a member of The Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his younger years, Everett was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved restoring classic cars and talking about them to anyone who would listen. He had a quick smile, many jokes and stories, and a really “big” and memorable personality. His daughters and grandchildren were the joys of his life. He will be missed but will live on in the hearts of all who love him.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Donate Life, Wounded Warrior Project, or Lost Angels Animal Rescue, Inc., PO Box 260212, Tampa, FL 33685.
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In addition to his wife, Everett is survived by his daughters, Nicole Heald of Lithia, FL, Corinne Venizelos and her husband Nicholas of Oldsmar, FL; his grandchildren Cami, Kaitlyn, and Parker Heald of Lithia, FL; sisters, Carole Achilles of Palm Harbor, FL, and Jan Achilles of Clearwater, FL; and many nieces and nephews. Everett was predeceased by his parents and siblings Patricia Wagner and Richard, Ronald, Donna, and Arnold Achilles.
Everett served in the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division, and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Early in his career, Everett taught health and physical education in Barnet, VT, and coached basketball there. As a graduate assistant at UNLV, he taught archery and tennis. He was assistant basketball coach of men’s basketball at Lyndon State College, and at a later time was the coach of the women’s basketball team at LSC. Always a skilled woodworker, he changed his career path when he fell in love with the historic restoration of covered bridges and historic barns. For many years he traveled extensively around the country working on restoration projects.
Everett was a member of The Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his younger years, Everett was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved restoring classic cars and talking about them to anyone who would listen. He had a quick smile, many jokes and stories, and a really “big” and memorable personality. His daughters and grandchildren were the joys of his life. He will be missed but will live on in the hearts of all who love him.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Donate Life, Wounded Warrior Project, or Lost Angels Animal Rescue, Inc., PO Box 260212, Tampa, FL 33685.
Previous Events
Funeral Mass
Monday
15
Feb
10:30 AM
Nativity Catholic Church
705 East Brandon Blvd.
Brandon, FL 33511
Graveside
Tuesday
16
Feb
1:30 PM
Florida National Cemetery
6502 S.W. 102nd Avenue
Bushnell, FL 33513
Memorial Contribution
Wounded Warrior Project
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