Passing of Sheck Exley's Father

[GLM]

With deep respect, I am posting this obituary from today's Florida Times Union (Jacksonville FL). Although I did not know Mr. Exley personally, I wanted the community to be aware. He certainly accomplished a great deal in his lifetime. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.


Irby Sheck Exley Sr. | Visit Guest Book


EXLEY, SR. Irby Sheck Exley, Sr., 89, passed away December 30, 2010 at St. Catherine Laboure Manor in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born August 22, 1921, in Effingham County, Georgia, one of eight children of Abner and Myra Pace Exley. He married Virginia Elizabeth Wilkes, his beloved wife of 63 years, March 30, 1947. Mr. Exley received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Georgia in 1943. He then served his country in the US Army Corps of Engineers in World War II throughout the European theater. Postwar, he was owner of several area car dealerships, including Westside VW. Mr. Exley was an avid and lifelong supporter of philanthropic activities throughout Jacksonville, including leading local divisions of the United Way, Goodwill, and Rotary Club. He was a member of Ortega United Methodist Church for 43 years, serving in many capacities. Together with his wife, Virginia, he donated the Exley Wilkes Chapel to the Wesley Foundation of the University of Georgia. He was also a leader in many area professional organizations. Mr. Exley is survived by his wife, Virginia Wilkes Exley, and daughter, Elizabeth Exley, as well as two granddaughters, Sarah Exley Paulsen and Laura Elizabeth Paulsen. He was preceded in death by his two sons, I. Sheck Exley, Jr., and Edward Wilkes Exley. A memorial service will be held at Ortega United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. Mr. Exley will be privately laid to rest with his sons at Oaklawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Way or the Ortega United Methodist Church

[stairman]

Sorry to hear that. I didnt know Sheck was in Oaklawn.

[WEPIV]

I fondly remember meeting Mr. Exley and his wife at the book signing for the Taming of the Slough at Peacock.
We had a very nice conversation and he even gave me his telephone number to call and talk some more.
I have often thought of that day and even more this week as I am rereading Sheck's Caverns Measureless to Man book again for the umpteenth time.
Mr. Exley Sr. seemed to be a dignified Southern gentleman who unfortunately had more than his share of sorrows.
He's with his boys now.

[FW]

I met Mr. Exley both at the book signing, and at his VW dealership in Jacksonville. Sheck was working there at the time. I drove up in the lot, and spotted Sheck's old VW van. I drove over to it, and a salesman came out. I told him I wanted to buy the van, and he brought Sheck out. When he saw me, he laughed. We went inside, and he introduced me to his dad.

[GLM]

I posted this thread last night. A lady who is in my office came up to me this morning and asked me if I ever heard of a guy named Sheck Exley (she knew I was a diver). She had gone to the funeral yesterday and had gone to high school with both Sheck and Edward. She told me what great guys they were (including the father), but had no idea of Sheck's legacy. She was fascinated and I'm loaning her his three books tomorrow. Serendipitous to say the least.

[Kelly Jessop]

I fondly remember meeting Mr. Exley and his wife at the book signing for the Taming of the Slough at Peacock.
We had a very nice conversation and he even gave me his telephone number to call and talk some more.
I have often thought of that day and even more this week as I am rereading Sheck's Caverns Measureless to Man book again for the umpteenth time.
Mr. Exley Sr. seemed to be a dignified Southern gentleman who unfortunately had more than his share of sorrows.
He's with his boys now.

I had a great time meeting Mr and Mrs Exley that day. They were a lot of fun to talk to,and condolences to the family

[FW]

Mr. and Mrs. Exley at the book signing.

[Kelly Jessop]

Attachment 3573

Mr. and Mrs. Exley at the book signing.

Thanks Forrest for moving this here. If you look in the background you'll see a severly flooded Orange Grove.

[Maureen]

I remember reading about Edward in Caverns Measureless to Man. Did he pass away diving? Did he do the same sort of exploration as Sheck? The picture of Mr. Exley and his wife is wonderful, they both look like really nice people.

[FW]

I remember reading about Edward in Caverns Measureless to Man. Did he pass away diving? Did he do the same sort of exploration as Sheck? The picture of Mr. Exley and his wife is wonderful, they both look like really nice people.

Sheck and Edward were diving the headpool at Wakulla. Sheck was on SCUBA, and Edward was free diving. Edward went down to about 75' (IIRC), and had Shallow Water Blackout on the way back up. Sheck had to recover his own brother