Obituary
Jack was born on February 5,1924 in Pitts, GA. He
enlisted in the U.S. Navy when he turned 17. Months
later, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Pelias, which sailed
to Pearl Harbor Hawaii, arriving just before the infamous
Japanese attack. Suffering with appendicitis, he and his
shipmates fought the Japanese.
He married Alice Ward on June 17, 1949. They had four
children, Lee, Linda, Deborah, and Dale. He was an
active duty missionary to the military until he retired from
the Navy in 1960. Soon afterward, he founded the
Servicemen’s Christian Home near Bainbridge NTC, MD.
Their home was a home away from home for thousands
of Sailors over a 25 year period. He was always ready to
share God’s word.
With Alice at his side for 71 years, they were a team. It
was always “Jack and Alice”. Together they ministered to
everyone they met. They were blessed to be able to travel
for several years before moving to Ocala in 2012.
Jack passed peacefully from this life after a gradual
decline in health. He is survived by 4 children, 7
grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Timber Ridge Community Church, 10260 SW 110th St, Dunnellon, FL 34432. Burial with Military Honors will follow at 2:00 pm at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513.
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