JOHN HENRY "Johnny" WELDON's Obituary
JOHN HENRY "Johnny" WELDON, 85, flew to Heaven November 23, 2023.
The oldest child of Woodrow Wilson Sr. and Irene (Pitzer) Weldon, was born September 30, 1938 in Bay Hill Community, Sumter County, Florida. He was a proud 6th generation Floridian.
Johnny joined the US Navy at the age of 17 years where he served aboard a Destroyer, the USS Stickell DD888, as a Mechanist Mate Il from 1956-1959. His home port was Norfolk, VA and his tour of duty was on the East coast with many trips to the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding areas. After an honorable discharge in 1959, he met his future wife in Holmes County, Florida where he married Olivia Gail Baxley on August 25th, 1961.
Johnny was a Charter Member of Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, FL where he earned his Associate of Arts degree. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Agricultural Operations Management with Minors in Engineering and Education.
Johnny retired March 31, 1989, at the age of 50 years, and after 24 years with the University of Florida Agricultural Science Department as an Engineer/Manager of Technical Operations,
After retiring, Johnny, and Gail, spent over 20 years traveling and doing genealogy and they published three books on their families.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by an infant sister, Paulette; a brother, Lester, two nieces; Lisa Guerra and Anastasha DeLisi and one nephew; Larry Gene Weldon Il.
He is survived by his wife of over 62 years, five brothers and sister-in-laws; Larry & Carolyn Weldon of Gainesville, FL; W. W. Weldon Jr. of Satsuma, FL; Ronnie & Jacqueline Weldon of Statesboro, GA; Wayne Weldon of Greenville, FL; Curtis & Susie Weldon of Newberry, FL; one sister and brother-in-law, Patricia & Bobby Musgrove of Millwood, GA; and one sister-in-law, Geraldine Weldon (widow of Lester) of Baxley, GA; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A private memorial service will be held at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home, in Gainesville, Florida.
Johnny will be laid to rest in the Military Section of Forest Meadows Cemetery East, Gainesville, Florida.
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