Merle F Wine

Merle Foster Wine (1932 – 2022)

Merle Foster Wine, age 90, of Niceville went to be with his Lord, on his birthday, March 18, 2022. Merle was born Bridgewater, Virginia on March 18, 1932 to Arlie and Elva Wine.

Merle had a great love of the Lord and his church family at Rosemont Baptist Church.   Merle loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed gardening in and around his house. 

Merle enjoyed his 22 years of service in the US Air Force.  He was a crew member on many different cargo planes flying around the world.  Merle was a veteran of the Korean and Viet Nam conflicts.  Of note, his duties include flying the RB-69A (Navy P2V) for the CIA out of Eglin AFB during the late 1950’s (including the Cuban Crisis) and early 60’s. During this time Merle was involved with the development of the Fulton Surface-to Air Recovery System (STARS).  It was during His tour at Eglin AFB, Merle met and married the love of his life, Minnie. His retired from the Air Force in 1974, moving back home to family in Niceville.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 58 years, Minnie.  Merle is survived his children, Larry Kennedy of Bruce, FL and Lana (Chris) Mikles of Niceville; grandchildren, Matthew Smith-Kennedy of Maryland, Stephen Kennedy of Atlanta, GA, Heath (Caryn) Rominger of Niceville, FL, and Heather Rominger of Valparaiso, FL; and great-grandchildren, Carissa Lee and Cameron Campbell of Valparaiso, FL, Emma Rominger of Niceville, FL.  His special nieces Stella and Charlotte Henley of Grady, AL, Merle was also survived by cousins in Virginia and many other nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by her special friends, Peggy and Donell Mills.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, Mach 24, 2022 at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville, FL from 9-10 am with the funeral service beginning at 10 am. Interment will follow in Heritage Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flower, contribution may be made in Merle’s name to the Building Fund at Rosemont Baptist church in Niceville, FL.

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