Dr. Herbert A. Bevis, passed away on October 28, 2019 at the age of 90. He was born September 28, 1929 in Perry, FL to Jennie and Herbert U. Bevis. The family soon moved to Gainesville.
Herb graduated from Gainesville High School and went on to the University of Florida where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in the Public Health option of Civil Engineering In 1951 and Master’s Degree in Sanitary Engineering in 1952.
Herb married his wonderful wife Cotella in 1952 and began his working career with the Public Health Service in New York, NY. Subsequent positions included Staff Officer and Instructor in Radiological Health in Washington D.C. and Cincinnati OH. Another Master’s Degree in Nuclear Physics in 1958 at the U. S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA led to his positions as Senior Public Health Officer at the Eniwetok Pacific Nuclear Test Site and Chief of the Ionizing Radiation Program in Austin TX before returning home to Gainesville and the University of Florida in 1961. Herb’s PhD in Environmental Engineering was completed in 1963. Herb’s working career continued at UF as Associate Professor in Civil Engineering and Associate Professor in Environmental Engineering. In 1970 he was a founding member of the local firm Water and Air Research but remained at UF as Professor in Environmental Engineering, then Assistant Dean and Associate Dean in the College of Engineering. Herb was known to be very supportive of students and studied hard to learn the names of every student in his classes.
Herb was very accomplished in civic service as well as in his professional life. He was a lifelong active member of the Civitan Club and helped to start the Civitan Regional Blood Bank which is now known as LifeSouth. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 84, and was on the Boards of Directors of LifeSouth, United Way, UF Athletic Association and his church.
Herb retired in the 1990s and was very active with his grandkids, civic service, the First United Methodist Church and woodworking. He was a true craftsman who loved the challenge of hand making items for family and friends like a guitar, banjo, many pieces of furniture including the prized rocking chairs with caned seat and backs, as well as wheel chair ramps for those in need.
Herb was preceded in death by his wife of over 57 years, Cotella Ingle Bevis and is survived by his sons John (Alan) Bevis, Gerald (Kathy) Bevis, sisters Patricia Faircloth and Virginia (Jack) Gamble, grandsons Jared (Crystal) Bevis and Mathew (Maureen) Bevis, step grandchildren Bobby (Natasha) Carrigan and Kelly (Kevin) Banes and five great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday November 20, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church at 419 NE 1st St, Gainesville, FL 32601.
For those who wish, in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Clinic located at 509 NE 1st St., Gainesville, FL, 32601.
Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 311 South Main Street Gainesville, FL. (352) 376-5361 www.milamfh.com
