Mr. John Charles “Jack” Vandemark, a resident of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, formerly of Auburn, AL, and Abbeville, AL, passed away peacefully in his home, on September 5,2026. He was 80 years old.

Jack was born in Auburn, AL, to Frank Arthur Vandemark and Mildred Ruth Simon Vandemark. Jack was a member of the Point Washington United Methodist Church and a former member of the Abbeville Methodist Church. He served as worship leader at Point Washington for a time. In earlier years, Jack also served as worship leader for Abbeville Methodist Church. Jack formerly lived in Auburn and Abbeville before moving to Inlet Beach in 1998 and Santa Rosa Beach in 2017. Jack was a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, serving his country in the United States Air Force. Upon return to Auburn, Jack worked as a Law Enforcement Officer for the University of Auburn as a campus Police Officer. He loved bluegrass music, grilling food for family and friends, riding his Harley, and his beloved dog, “Sassy”.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 50 years, Emily Carol Vandemark.

Surviving relatives include his daughter, Samantha Angelyn Shirley (Geoff); his son, Lyle Ellis Vandemark (Penny), three stepsons, William Wayne Whatley, Jr. (Joy); Ansel Gideon Whatley (Barbara), and Clarence Hill Whatley.

Celebration of Life services will be held at a later date.

Flowers are being accepted.