Athol Blanchard Packer

Dr. Athol Blanchard Packer passed away on September 10, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida. He lived a remarkable 99 years marked by faith, family, and a genuine care for the people around him. His faith was woven throughout his life, bearing fruit in the way he loved and served others.

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

AB was born on October 16, 1926, in Flint, Michigan and spent most of his early years in Saginaw, Michigan. He left home to serve as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Engineering Cadet from November 16, 1944, to January 15, 1946, and in the U.S. Army from March 8, 1946, to September 7, 1947, serving in the South Pacific during WWII. He returned and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D from the University of Kansas. During his studies, he fell in love with Edna Dolores “Dee”, his wife for 73 years. He often described his decision to marry her as the best decision he had made over his entire life.

Education became a defining part of AB’s professional life. He served as an assistant professor of education at the University of Florida and later administered a federally supported teacher-development project during a pivotal period of school desegregation in the South. Throughout his career, he cared deeply about helping children and families learn and thrive, reflected in his scholarly work on classroom practice, curriculum development, and early-childhood education. He also contributed to academic publications and co-authored the Alley Alligator children’s book series.

AB’s impact extended far beyond his professional accomplishments. He was continually active in his church and community, and was always ready to help friends and neighbors. As a lifelong storyteller with a calm and steady presence, he was someone others simply enjoyed being around. He was also his family’s biggest cheerleader, and loved being present for important milestones, including officiating the weddings of many of his grandchildren.

AB and Dee’s home in Gainesville was an anchor for friends and family. They welcomed anyone who came through their door. Their hospitality always involved homemade cooking and a sense of belonging. For 59 years, it was a gathering place for ordinary days and holidays alike. It raised four children and welcomed countless others.

AB’s home away from home was out on the water. Fly fishing was one of his great joys, and some of his happiest moments were spent fishing with family in North Carolina and Montana. Torch Lake, Michigan was especially meaningful, holding generations of family memories and rambunctious fun. Torch will be AB’s final earthly resting place, alongside his beloved wife and family.

AB is survived by his sister, Jean Hinkin, three of his four children and their spouses: Warren and Michelle Packer, Deborah and Rob Roberts, and Sarah and David Henson; his grandchildren and their spouses, Erika and Guillermo Diaz, Ryan and Susanna Roberts, Jessica and Christian Muñoz, Warren Jr. and Kacie Packer, Jacob and Samantha Henson,

Zachary and Bethany Henson, Derick and Mercedes Packer, Kate and John Miller, Logan and Hannah Messina, Jefferson and Kayla Packer, and Victoria Packer; his great-grandchildren, Grace, Roark, and Royce Diaz; Avery and Andie Roberts; Christian Jr. and Emma Muñoz; Esteri Packer; Arie and Cora Henson; Bennett Henson; Elle, Price, and Luke Miller; and Alexa and June Messina; he is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Athol and Vera Packer; his wife, Edna Packer; his brothers, James Packer and Thomas Packer; and his son, David Packer.

We grieve AB’s absence, but we are deeply grateful for the extraordinary gift of having him in our lives for so many years. He was blessed to live long enough to watch his family grow across generations, a rare gift that meant he could know and love his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Though we grieve his absence, we do so with the hope of heaven and the assurance that his faith is now sight. He leaves behind a legacy carried forward in stories told and love shared.

Our family would also like to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible hospice staff who cared for AB throughout his final years. Their compassion, tenderness, and dedication brought comfort and dignity to AB and to our family during a difficult time. We are especially grateful to Aunt Diane, who freely shared her wisdom, answered our questions, and walked alongside us during AB’s care.

The Lord gave Athol Packer many days, carried him through them, and remained faithful to him to the end. We will miss him dearly, but we still rejoice knowing that AB is now home with the Lord.

“Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.” Isaiah 46:4

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” John 11:25-26