David Bruce Van Dyke

David “Dave” Bruce Van Dyke of Niceville passed away peacefully on February 15, 2021, at the age of 76, surrounded by his loving children.

He was born on July 4, 1944 in Wyandotte, Michigan, then moved with his parents and siblings to Chagrin Falls, Ohio in 1957.  Dave matriculated at Bowling Green State University, in Bowling Green, Ohio, where he enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program, and became a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.  He graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Education (Earth Science), and a minor in Geography.
In September 1967, Dave volunteered for service in the United States Air Force and began his military career in Navigator School at Mather AFB in Sacramento, California.  Dave’s first operational assignment was as a Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) flying in the F-111A swing-wing fighter-bomber aircraft at Nellis AFB, Nevada; he became the first WSO to log over 500 hours in the F-111 aircraft.
Dave was later selected for Pilot Training at Sheppard AFB in Witchita Falls, Texas and returned to Nellis AFB as an F-111A Pilot.  Assignments included Nellis AFB, Nevada; Takhli Royal AFB, Thailand; Mountain Home AFB, Idaho; Lakenheath AFB, United Kingdom; and finally, Eglin AFB in Niceville, Florida. Dave was especially fond of his time with the 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, and the friendships he made there.  In all, Dave spent 17 glorious years flying all over the world, served our country in the Vietnam War, and was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal (3 oak leaf clusters) and the Air Medal (1 oak leaf cluster).
In 1987, Dave earned his Master of Public Administration (Acquisition Management) from The University of West Florida. He retired from the Air Force in September of 1988 after 21 years of military service, at the rank of Major. He continued his professional career as a defense contractor supporting the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) for 18 more years.
Dave met Sandra Billoni in 1995, and they were married on February 14, 2001. After his final retirement in 2006, Dave and Sandra enjoyed traveling, going on cruises, attending NASCAR races, tailgating at The University of Florida Gator football games, and having the grandkids over to swim in Papa & Nana’s pool. 
Dave had a fervor for working on cars and being a “motor head” his entire life, gladly offering his profound automotive knowledge and skills to his friends. He was a fantastic Dad, equally tough on the outside, and soft on the inside.  He was especially proud of his children in their careers – his daughter, Teri, a music educator currently teaching at her former school, Ruckel Middle, giving back to the children of Okaloosa County; and his son, Todd, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, currently serving in the nation’s 1st Infantry Division.  But he was even more proud as he watched his kids take on the role of “parent”, and had many good laughs while doing so.  Dave absolutely loved being called “Papa”, and adored his seven grandchildren, doting on them as often as possible.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Helene (Foss) Van Dyke; his loving wife, Sandra Billoni; and his brother, Michael Van Dyke. He is survived by his daughter, Teri Van Dyke Bruse of Niceville; his son, Todd Van Dyke and wife Mercedes of Fort Riley, Kansas; grandchildren: Will Williams; Trey, Halle, Rhys and Emme Bruse; Jacob and Alexandria Van Dyke; sister, Kathy Cridland of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; and brother, Dick Van Dyke, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Officer, Fighter Pilot, Hero, and Friend – Dave lived an extraordinarily full life that can be aptly summarized in the words of one of his favorite artists, Jim Croce:

Like the pine trees linin’ the windin’ road,  

I’ve got a name….I’ve got a name                

Like the singin’ bird and the croakin’ toad, 

I’ve got a name...I’ve got a name                  

And I’ll carry it with me like my daddy did,

But I’m livin’ the dream that he kept hid  

Movin’ me down the highway,                      

Rollin’ me down the highway,                      

Movin’ ahead so life won’t pass me by.

Dave’s family cannot begin to express their gratitude and love for the compassionate care and support offered by the medical professionals at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center – specifically, his ICU nurses Aleshia, Lauren and Kortney - who helped them through this difficult process.  We are eternally grateful.
A memorial service will be held for both Dave and Sandra on March 10, 2021 at Heritage Gardens Cemetery in Niceville at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, Dave suggested memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38015 or online at https://www.stjude.org/donate .

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