Major Jack Worth King Jr.'s Obituary
Jack Worth King, Jr., age 86, of Tavares passed away Sunday, January 17, 2016, following a brief illness with his devoted wife of 66 years, Charlene, at his side. Jack was born in Tavares on July 20, 1929. After graduation from Tavares High in 1948 he served briefly in the Navy and then began a lengthy career in law enforcement, first as a Eustis Police Officer and then spending 29 years with the Florida Highway Patrol rising through the ranks and holding numerous positions including “Chief Pilot” and upon graduation from the FBI Academy, “Special Investigator”. Later as a Captain, he commanded Troop H in central Florida encompassing seven counties. Jack retired as a Major in 1983. Outside of his work life, Jack enjoyed and was known for his skill and ingenuity at building things. He excelled at working with his hands and was the owner-operator of King Machine and Marine in Tavares where his focus was creating high performance automotive engines. Being a pilot, he was also interested in airplanes and hand-built not one but two acrobatic planes called a “Pitts Special.” Jack loved sports and was an avid Florida Gators fan. Among the things he will be remembered for are his quick wit and ability to recall from his many, many interesting and sometimes humorous experiences as a Highway Patrolman. Jack is survived by his wife, Charlene (Nichols); son, Mark King of Ider, AL; daughters, Ann Turley of Astor, FL and Tammie Rikansrud of Winter Springs, FL; their spouses; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack; mother, Marie; and sister, Elizabeth. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM at Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home, Tavares. Funeral Services for Major King will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:00AM at the First Baptist Church of Tavares. Interment will follow at Tavares Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall.
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