NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. — The Neptune Beach Police Department is saying farewell to a retired officer who died of COVID-19 shortly after returning to work for the department as a civilian.
Officer Eddie Bounds will be laid to rest Tuesday afternoon following a celebration of life at the Church of Eleven-22 on Beach Boulevard at 3 p.m. A funeral procession will follow, from approximately 4:15 to 4:30, accompanying Bounds' body to the H. Warren Smith Cemetery in Jacksonville Beach, for the graveside service.
You can pay your respects to Bounds by watching the processional live as it moves from the church to the graveside below.
NBPD said Bounds, a husband, father and grandfather, was hospitalized for COVID-19 shortly after his retirement and immediate return to work as a civilian employee in June. He died of complications on Aug. 21, the police department said.
"Eddie was ... the epitome of a Beaches Police Officer. A legend. A true legacy left behind," NPBD said in a Facebook post. Scroll down to read the full text of the post.
Bounds served the residents of Neptune Beach for 10 years and prior to that, he served in Jacksonville Beach for 23 years.
"It is with profound sadness and the heaviest of hearts we share with you the passing of Officer Eddie Bounds.
Eddie was many things to many people. A husband, father, grandfather, public servant, coach, and dear friend to many. He was also the epitome of a Beaches Police Officer. A legend. A true legacy left behind.
Officer Bounds just recently retired from the NBPD on June 3rd of this year and immediately came back to work as a civilian employee. His love for the beaches community was ever present and his service unwavering. Just shortly after coming back to work, Eddie was hospitalized for COVID-19 where he ultimately succumbed due to complications. Eddie served the citizens of Neptune Beach for 10 years and prior to that the citizens of Jacksonville Beach for 23 years. Please keep his family, friends and co-workers in your prayers.
God speed. End of Watch 08/21/2021."
