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George Edward Tumlin, Jr. (Eddie), 66, of Valley, died Wednesday, April 8 of cardiac arrest. Tumlin had also had a serious motorcycle accident several weeks prior and had undergone surgery for his injuries. He is to be cremated, and due to physical-distancing necessities the family does not plan a memorial service at this time.

He was a son of George Edward Tumlin, Sr. and Charlotte Delores Tumlin who preceded him in death. He is survived by Donna Windsor Tumlin, children Jonathan (BreeAnn) Windsor, Sara (George Trey) Monk, and Kathleen Tumlin, his sister Cindy (Beth), brothers Jeffrey Tumlin and Michael Tumlin, and six grandchildren.

In his younger days Tumlin had been a professional diver, achieving the highest level of PADI certification. He taught scuba, worked in the Caribbean, and for a short time was an underwater welder in the Gulf of Mexico. He even served on underwater rescue teams, recovering bodies for authorities and bringing resolution to affected family members. An avid fitness buff, he exercised all his life, was an enthusiastic motorcyclist, and had many adventures in his 66 years of life. A lifelong member of the Christian faith, Eddie thoroughly enjoyed Bible study and worship. Engaging in self-directed study in his teens and twenties in physics, high-level mathematics, and other subjects, Eddie was naturally and prolifically gifted. His unique and multi-faceted talents, in addition to many quiet good-Samaritan acts of kindness and bravery, were well known to those who loved him best. He will be forever cherished and missed.

Once beaches are reopened in Florida and elsewhere the family will gather to celebrate Eddie’s life.

He once said of being held within the ocean’s embrace, “It’s like being free, totally free, and it’s so beautiful and peaceful. There’s nothing else like it.” Tumlin said.

Donations may be made in Tumlin’s name to the Christian Service Center in Lanett or to the Ocean Conservancy. Please visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for his family, to share a memory of Tumlin, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.