Alton "Big Al" Edward Herndon, Jr

Alton “Big Al” Edward Herndon, Jr., of Holt, Florida, passed away on September 29, 2021, at the age of 66. 

He was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 24, 1954, to Alton Edward “Honey” and Lillian “Sugar” Herndon.  

Al’s caring and loving nature led to a life-long career in public safety, beginning as a child hanging out with his dad at Fire Station 14 on Herschel Street in Jacksonville, Florida.  He served in many capacities across the state of Florida in several places including Alachua County, Charlotte County, state EMS offices in Tallahassee, and ended his career here as the Chief of the Okaloosa County EMS in 2013.  He earned a myriad of awards during his EMS career.  His proudest accomplishment was when the Florida Association of County EMS chose him for its Mark Fingeret Administrative Leadership and Excellence Award, recognizing his leadership and contributions to pre-hospital care.

Al was an avid antique car enthusiast, collecting cars such as a 32 Deuce Coupe, a 54 Chevy Bel Air, 29 Ford Model T, and 65 Chevy C10, among others, and enjoyed spending his retirement travelling and showing them at car shows. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Kristin Shea Herndon; his children, Adriane Herndon Tish (Jeremy), Derek Herndon (Ali), and Autumn Herndon Kern (Daniel); his sisters, Patricia Herndon, Beverly Herndon Gettle (John), and Jeannie Herndon Lepley (Tommy); two wonderful grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Al was known for his caring generosity and willingness to provide a helpful hand to anyone in need.  If you were strangers when you met him, you parted as friends.

Al was thrilled to have been able to fulfill his life-long dream of travelling the fabled Route 66 this past summer with his wife.  It was the adventure of a lifetime. 

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