Captain, Ted Obed Sills, 74, a resident of Jacksonville and Middleburg, passed away on August 9, 2021. He was born on May 17, 1947, in Douglas, GA, the son of James Thaddeus and Mary Nix Sills. He was preceded in death by his daughter, DeLane, his father, James, his mother, Mary, brothers, Thad and Tim, and sister Jean.
He graduated from Paxon Senior High School in 1965 where he was a member of the football, baseball, and basketball teams. In 1977, he graduated from Florida State College (formerly known as Florida Junior College at Jacksonville) with honors. In addition, he served as a Specialist Four for six years in the Florida National Guard.
Ted began his career in the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department in 1973 as a private at Station 23. In 1980, he was promoted to Lieutenant while serving at station 17. Throughout his career he also served at Stations 18 and 26. His last promotion occurred in 1992, when he rose to the rank of Captain. He retired in 2004 after serving over 30 years with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
Captain Sills was a member of the Local 122, Fire and Police Pension Fund, and Jacksonville Retired Firefighters Association.
He was a previous member of Ramona Boulevard Baptist Church where he played on the church league softball team. After leaving Ramona Boulevard Baptist Church, he became member of Cedar Creek Baptist Church where he frequently maintained the church grounds.
Ted enjoyed spending time with his family, yard work, fishing, reading, studying history, and attending Gator football and Braves baseball games.
He is survived by his devoted and caring wife of fifty-three years, Elaine (Vining) Sills, son, Judson T. Sills, a grandson, Colson Sills, a sister June (Sills) Waldron and a host of relatives and friends.
Visitation will be from 1:15 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Cedar Creek Baptist Church, 1372 Lane Ave. S. (904-781-9151). Funeral Services will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. John Montgomery officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Memorial Park.
Visitation Details Saturday September 11, 2021 1:15-1:45pm
Cedar Creek Baptist Church 1372 Lane Ave. S
Service Details Saturday September 11, 2021 2:00pm Cedar Creek Baptist Church 1372 Lane Ave. S
Bobby Caron(Friend)
October 14, 2022, 6:11 am
Sorry for your loss Elaine Ted was one of the nicest guys in high school. I played baseball with him for several years. He was the quiet type with a dry sense of humor we all enjoyed being around him. He will be missed by many friends and family. May the Lord be with you and your family.
H D Luke(cousin)
October 14, 2022, 6:11 am
Elaine ,Judson , Colson ; My prayers go out for yall. I pray God give you comfort at this time H D Luke
Patti Heath( Friend of the wife)
October 14, 2022, 6:11 am
I want to send my condolences to the Sills family. Mr. Sills was a very dedicated person when it came to his dedication as a firefighter. May the Lord help you through these times and help you to heal from your loss. Mr. Sills will always be remembered for his dedication to Christ and saving lives. Mom and I will keep you all in our prayers. God Bless.
Bob and Kay Suber(Friends)
October 14, 2022, 6:12 am
Prayers for the family. Rest in Peace Ted. You will be missed but never forgotten.