Rudolph "Rudy" Napier's Obituary
Rudolph Boyd “Rudy” Napier, age 73 of Newberry, passed away Monday, May 14, 2018 at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center. He was born February 5, 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio to Bruce and Elizabeth Marie Procasky Napier. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He proudly served in the US Navy, serving in Vietnam. After the service, he was an airline mechanic with Eastern Airline for 14 years. He moved to Gainesville from Miami in 1982, and was the owner of Archer Road Automotive for over 20 years. An avid bowler, he was a member of Greater Gainesville Hall of Fame from 1984 to 2008, and served the local board for many years. He was an avid Gator fan, enjoyed Gator Nationals, and was a member of the Top Eliminator Club.
Rudy is survived by his wife of 52 years, Paula; two children, Lian Preston (Mike) of Gainesville and Michael Napier (Trish) of Kissimmee; two sisters, Mele Wenneman of Norris Town, PA and Susan Jankura of Gainesville, six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Bandit. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bruce Napier.
A Celebration of Rudy’s Life will be held Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd Street, Jonesville. The family will receive friends Friday, May 18, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Rudy’s name to The American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215, or to Stop Children’s Cancer, 2622 NW 43rd St # B3, Gainesville, FL 32606.
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