Jack William Naylor

Jack William Naylor, of Palm Harbor, Florida went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 20, 2022 at the age 73. Originally from Cincinnati, OH, he was born September 19, 1948. He was a 1966 graduate of Lockland High School where he excelled in academics as his class salutatorian as well as football, where he would later become a Jr. High coach for several years. He earned his teaching degree from the University of Cincinnati and began his career as a math teacher at Lockland and Newport High Schools eventually returning to school to acquire his master’s degree in Education. Jack would also serve his country in the US Air National Guard, receiving an honorary discharge. His service and education would eventually lead him to his ultimate career at the General Electric Aircraft Engines Headquarters in Evendale, OH where he would go on to become a Quality Control Manager before retiring in 2004.

While at the University of Cincinnati he was, in his words, “so fortunate” to meet and befriend Shirley Mangold, who would become his bride and the love of his life. The two were married on a summer day in 1973 and enjoyed 48 blissful years together until his passing. They raised a family together featuring 3 boys, all of whom there was no denying that they were Jack’s boys. Through love, encouragement, and fair discipline, he readied his sons for their own futures and their own families. This would pay off in the form of 3 beautiful daughters-in-law and 7 loving grandchildren.

In 2010, a new life in retirement was presented to them during a trip to Florida when an offer on a duplex home in Palm Harbor was unexpectedly accepted. The couple would eventually become “snowbirds”, splitting time between Ohio and Florida, or as Jack called it, Naylor North and Naylor South. Jack would term his new close-knit group of friends and neighbors his “Florida family”.

Having grown up on a family car lot, Jack learned mechanic skills and became a lover of cars and motorcycles. He enjoyed going to car shows and riding on his motorcycle. It became a yearly tradition for Jack and his friends to take a trip to see the Mid-Ohio Vintage Motorcycle races. After working on and fixing old bikes for years, he eventually got his dream ride, a Harley Road King Classic. He also procured a sporty little Mazda Miata and classic Model A Ford, both of which he maintained and drove in parades and on trips for years. His absolute favorite thing though was just talking to people. He loved conversations with friends and always made an effort to include everyone in social settings. He was able to maintain friendships and acquaintances for decades because of this. If you met Jack once, he’d remember you forever.

At the end of 2019, Jack was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer and given a low chance of surviving past several months. Always a God-fearing man, rather than become destitute at his predicament, his faith in Christ became even stronger than ever. He believed that he was blessed with time to get things in order for his family before he was called to Heaven. He endured several treatments in his battle with cancer and defied the odds time and time again in order to share his faith with others. His journey would stretch more than 2 years, shocking doctors in the process, and he was able to be at peace with himself and his Maker by the end. His motto in life became “God is in control” and he accepted that God would take him when needed but that he would let him finish his job on this earth first. He was so grateful for all the bounties that God had given him throughout his life.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Elizabeth Naylor of Cincinnati, OH. He is survived in this life by his endearing wife, Shirley of Palm Harbor, FL, his brother, Edward, proud sons (and spouses), Vincent (Amy), Jason (Stephanie), and David (Jennifer), loving grandchildren Chloe, Madelyn, Kaitlyn, Owen, Lexi, Leah, and Jake, his beloved dog, Annie, as well as his countless friends.

A service to celebrate the life of Jack will take place on March 21 at 10:30 a.m. at Clearwater Community Church, 2897 Belcher Rd, Dunedin, FL 34698. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jack’s honor to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the Naylor family.