Harold Bentley "Hal" Jeffcoat

The St. Petersberg Times

October 1, 2007

JEFFCOAT, Harold Bentley "Hal," 82, born September 6, 1924, in Columbia, S.C., passed away August 30, 2007, in Tampa.

A loving husband, father and good friend of many, Hal Jeffcoat will be deeply missed. Hal was the loving son of George McCoy and Alma Bundrick Jeffcoat. He was a World War II veteran, having served in combat with the 21st Engineer Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. While in Italy during the war, he met and is now survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Valma Viola Ala of Gloucester, Mass., who was serving in the Women' s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC).

After the war, Hal began a very successful 12-year career as a professional baseball player. Signed by the Chicago Cubs in 1946, he played briefly in the minor leagues before being called up to Chicago, where he played until 1956. He then played for the Cincinnati Reds until 1959, and later completed his major league active service with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Hal returned to the Cubs organization in 1961, managing the Palatka Cubs in the Florida State League. Hal was a centerfielder for the Cubs, then later transitioned to duties as a relief pitcher. He loved the game and became a loyal follower of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in his later years.

Following his baseball career, Hal worked for, and later retired from, the Continental Can Co. in Tampa.

Hal was strong in his faith and a disciple of Jesus Christ. A member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Tampa, he cheerfully served in a number of ministry positions and supported the growth and expansion of his church for more than 50 years.

Hal is survived by his loving wife Valma Ala Jeffcoat; his son, Dr. Harold G. Jeffcoat and his wife, Marie; his son, retired U.S. Navy Captain John P. Jeffcoat and his wife, Barrie; his son, Richard Bentley Jeffcoat; granddaughters, Jennifer Morton and her husband, Chad, and Jacqueline Jeffcoat; his grandson, James Michael Jeffcoat; and great-grand-daughters, Juliana Marie Morton and Ava Grace Morton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 3712 El Prado Blvd., Tampa, FL 33629-8722.

A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 13, 2007, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Inurnment will be at Florida National Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Brewer & Sons.