Farewell To Old Friend

Hull, a long time architect for Naval Facilities Command, was born nearly 80 years ago as a fourth generation Floridian during the hard times of the great depression, and has logged more than 55 years in the workforce.

"It was a different time alright," said Hull, about growing up in the depression during an interview last year. "Things were simpler then," said Hall. "I recall the hardships my parents went through, but as a kid, they kept me from feeling any of that. They both worked very hard." Work ethic is something Homer Hull knows a thing or two about.

Hull entered the U.S. Army Air force (USAAF) in 1944 and served in the European Theater with troop carrier squadrons maintaining the Douglas C-47 and other transient air craft at Munich's Rhiem Airport in Southern Germany.

"I would say that the military taught me all about team work, getting along with others and compromise," said Hull.

After his honorable discharge in 1946, education would be Hull's next "assignment" with his enrollment at Jacksonville Junior College, (now Jacksonville University) and set his sights on an architecture degree. In the summer of 1948, he transferred to the University of Florida and earned a Bachelor of Architecture Degree by 1951.

After his graduation, Hull spent the summer working in Manhattan New York.

"The summer after I graduated was spent working in Manhattan New York providing construction documents for the state's transportation department, said Hull. "After that, I headed back to Jacksonville to look for more architectural work."

Hull found plenty of work in Jacksonville, but perhaps the most important find was his bride Carmel Ann who he married in 1955 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Jacksonville.

"We were married 47 years before I lost her," said Hull, during the previous interview. He smiles still when he mentions here name, and his eyes get distant as if bringing up fond memories. Hall said compromise and respect were key ingredients to their happy marriage.

By 1966, the Hull's were now a family of five living in Atlantic Beach, and he was a seasoned Chief Draftsman and Structural Designer providing engineering services throughout the Southeast which included massive projects such as the Tampa Airport in which Hull served as Architectural Manager, and the Florida State Capital building.

Hull continued racking up the projects and experience in his chosen field until the early eighty's when he threw his hat into the Civil Servce ring. "After 33 years in the private sector with many of my career goals accomplished, I decided to start a new career closer to my home in the Beaches, "said Hull.

In 1984 he entered Government service at Naval Station Mayport as an Architect in the Engineering Division at Public Works, and like in all his other assignments, immersed himself in making a difference.

"It was a big adjustment," said Hull on his transition. "In the corporate world its all about the profit, and in government service, its all about doing the best job you can and serving your country."

Hull serves in the community too and was the representative for the Naval Station in a wide range of public service activities such as the Mayport Waterfront Partnership, the First Coast Metro Planning Organization and Jacksonville's Transit Authority Advisory Committees to name a few. In 1993, Hull was appointed the station's Cultural Services Manager, a position responsible for the identification, protection and preservation of historic places and a number of archeological resources. Last year, he designed a memorial marker for the old Mayport cemetery which will serve as a permanent reminder of the areas historic significance.

Although his gathering was meant to be for his honor, Hall was the first to thank his co-workers for their hard work and dedication.

"My greatest honor is working with such great people," said Hull with a smile after ceremonial plaques and certificates were given to him.

Perhaps the best tribute to the retiring Homer Hull came from true and heart felt words from close friend and supervisor Mike McVann who simply said, "Homer is a true gentleman. The two adjectives I think of when I look at Homer are quiet and dignity."