Dr. (Howard) Laney "Doc Y" Yelverton, retired Professor of Physical Education at Jacksonville University, passed away Jan. 15, 2016 at the age of 77 in Jacksonville, Florida.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. January 20, 2016 at Arlington Park Funeral Home.

Doc was born on January 27, 1938 in Chipley, Florida, son of Howard Odell and Loyce Laney Yelverton (deceased) and has a surviving younger brother, Jerry (Sharon ) Yelverton of Pensacola Florida. His younger years were spent in Chipley, but he grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, attending the Methodist Church. A basketball hoop in the back yard provided hours of practice into the night. He played this sport while attending Woodlawn High School, making the city's All Star Team.

Besides basketball, one of his fondest memories was sitting on his father's knee and listening to broadcasts of "The Crimson Tide" Alabama football games. This resulted in a burning passion for all University of Alabama sports that never waned.

He attended Birmingham-Southern College and received a Bachelor of Arts in 1959. Doc played basketball while there and maintained many friendships from his fraternity and graduating class. In 1960, he graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Master of Science. Then he went to the University of Alabama and received a Doctor of Education degree in 1964. The legendary coach, "Bear" Bryant was still at Alabama at the time and Doc loved to tell of the time he had an impromptu game of one-on-one basketball with him in the gym, as well as assisting him while at Alabama.

Doc began his teaching career at Ashville Junior College (NC)and from there taught at Pikeville College (KY). He came to Florida to teach at the University of Central Florida and then came to Jacksonville University as Athletic Director when the Dolphins went to the NCAA playoffs. He later was appointed Professor of Physical Education and retired in 2003. During this time, Doc helped many of his students far beyond what was considered necessary and gained their respect and love. He was somewhat of a figure on campus with his pony tail and Harley, as well as his sense of humor and willingness to assist colleagues and staff. He taught many children of staff members how to swim and organized intramural tag-football teams which he played along with students of JU. He taught camps for the gifted during summers and was known for his dedication to provide weight training to both students and staff members. He also worked diligently to initiate the Judson Harris Fund to provide scholarships to physical education majors.

He and his wife Peggie were married November 10, 1990 in Cedar Key, Florida, by a retired Methodist minister, even though they both swore they would never marry again. Together they enjoyed riding the Harley, being with their children and grandchildren, playing with their pet (Johnny Reb), listening to Willie Nelson music, and having gatherings for family and friends. Doc was also known in the neighborhood as the "bicycle man" because he was often seen riding his bicycle through the neighborhood, as he rode his seven miles daily, and always had a sarcastic comment for anyone else out and about. Yet if anyone needed help, he would always lend assistance to them.

Besides Peggie, he is survived by his son Norman (Lori), hisdaughter Cindy, stepdaughter, Daphne Hand (Doug), and stepson, Glen (Suzanne) Taylor. Grandchildren include Shane and Sierra Yelverton; Peyton Townsend (Travis), Kendall Hand (Jackie), Jordon Kruzhlin (Daniel), Mekenzie Nelson (Gus), Quinci Hand; and Jeannie, Victor, and Lona Taylor. Great- Grand- children are Royce and Emmett Hand. He is also survived by nephews, Todd and Mark Yelverton and Christopher Pinkerton, and niece, Christie Vanegas and several great-nephews and nieces.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the Judson Harris Scholarship Fund at Jacksonville University or Disabled Veterans Association.