Obituary of Deborah Ruth Bixler

Deborah R. (Kinsey) Bixler of Pensacola, FL passed away on Friday June 9 th , 2023. Born September 26, 1949 to the late Gerald and Doris (Sirmon) Kinsey, she grew up in Monroeville, AL.

Deborah graduated from the University of Montevallo with a degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She briefly worked in Huntsville, AL until she married and became a mother, the occupation she felt was her highest calling; raising four children with the love of her life, David L. Bixler, marrying in 1980 and eventually settling in Pensacola, FL where David retired from active duty in the Navy. Deborah was a committed military wife and loving mother. As her children grew she took on many other roles which included substitute teaching with the Escambia County School system, naval ombudsman, volunteering with her church, helping seniors in her community, and other acts of kindness.

One of her greatest gifts was creating and nurturing the relationships in her life by making regular phone calls and sending letters to her friends and family, never forgetting a “birthaversary”.

Faith was central to her life, she attended church regularly and prayed daily for her loved ones. We are left with a memory of her favorite verse, Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Those who cherish her memory are her husband of 42 years, David L. Bixler; her children Anthony C. Teel of Roosevelt, AZ, Bethany (Edward) Quinn of Marietta, GA, Brittny (Patrick) Strength of Pensacola, and Tiffany (Robbie) Harvey of Pensacola; sister Kim Atchley of Montgomery, AL; and grandchildren Breanna and Braelynn Strength, Lane, Jernigan (JJ), and Milo Harvey. In addition, she is survived by her “sister in love” Phyllis (Norman) Bixler of Port St. Joe, FL and “brother in love” Marshall Schneider of Milton, FL as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Deborah was preceded in death by sister Gerri M. Schneider.

Deborah has been welcomed into Heaven and is reunited and rejoicing with her loved ones whom she held so dear in life; until we can all be together again.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the charity of your choosing.

Visitation will be held at Family-Funeral & Cremation in Pensacola, FL on Friday June 23rd from 10-11a with Funeral Service to follow.

Deborah will be laid to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery, those wishing to attend the graveside ceremony at 1pm will need to join the vehicular processional at 12pm following the funeral service.