Armanest Winslow Ennis, age 87, passed away peacefully at home, June 14th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, and has now crossed the Jordan into the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Born on March 29, 1938, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Armanest moved with his parents shortly after birth to Fernandina Beach, where he spent the rest of his life. He was the devoted husband of Patsy Arnold Ennis, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, faith, and laughter.

A third-generation shrimper, Armanest was proud of his maritime roots and the honest work that shaped his early years. After graduating from Fernandina High School in 1956, he began working at Container Corporation, where he remained for 42 years, retiring at 60 in 1998 as General Superintendent of the Box Plant. He was known as a firm leader who held high standards and earned deep respect. Armanest was especially known for being hardest on the ones he loved, inspiring them to be their absolute best.

Armanest was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting, and he felt most at peace surrounded by nature. He found joy both on the water and in the woods. He especially cherished his time at the family farm in Nahunta, Georgia, where life moved a little slower. It was his place of peace—a quiet retreat where he could step away and enjoy the simple things.

His faith in God was the foundation of his life. Though he did not wear it on his sleeve, he lived it deeply—through kindness, humility, and the love he gave his family. Armanest was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. If you were the target of one of his jokes, you knew you were loved.

He was the beloved father of Terrie Ennis Sanders (Gary Sanders) and the late Armanest Ennis Jr. (Chip), and a proud grandfather to Tiffany Sanders Hinton (Wes Hinton) and Dana Sanders Owens (Todd Owens). His love continues through his great-grandchildren: Hannah Grace Hinton, Sam Owens, and Alice Owens.

He is predeceased by his siblings Rosella Ennis (Mullis) and Cecil Ennis, and is survived by his brother James Ennis, along with many nieces and nephews who will forever remember their “Uncle Armanest” for his stories and laughter.

Armanest’s life was fully rooted in faith, family, hard work, and the joy of the simple things. He is now reunited with the loved one who went before him, and rests in eternal peace. His family finds comfort in the blessed assurance that they will see him again on Heaven’s shore.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home, located at 1305 Atlantic Avenue in Fernandina Beach. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20th, at Oxley-Heard Chapel, with burial to follow at Green Pine Cemetery.