John Davis Whelchel Sr.

John was born on August 31, 1943, in Sanford, Florida, the youngest son of Mary and Hugh Whelchel. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Susan Slade Whelchel (2022); and his siblings, Hugh Whelchel, Howard Whelchel, Michael Whelchel, and Mary Ann Pierce Smith.

Raised in Sanford, John attended Seminole High School and later graduated from Florida State University with a degree in business. While living in Jacksonville, he met the love of his life, Susan Slade, whom he married in 1968. Together, they began raising their family in Sanford before making Boca Raton their home in 1978.

In 1975, John founded what is now known as Florida Aquastore, beginning with just three employees and a vision to provide water storage tanks and wastewater facilities throughout Florida. Through his leadership, hard work, and more than 40 years of dedication, the company grew to over 100 employees, serving customers across nine states and 32 countries. Throughout his career, John earned the respect and admiration of his business partners, employees, and industry peers for his integrity, fairness, honesty, and unwavering loyalty.

When John wasn't working, he could usually be found enjoying time with family and friends or pursuing his favorite pastime, golf. His life was filled with countless adventures, including fishing, hunting, scuba diving, The Royal Order of the Orange, trips to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, and travels with Susan and dear friends. Above all, John loved being present for his children and grandchildren, enthusiastically attending what surely amounted to more than 1,500 sporting events, dance recitals, and performances over the years.

John had a wonderful gift for making people laugh. A skillful purveyor of humor, he always seemed to have the perfect joke or well-timed one-liner ready to brighten the moment. His laughter was contagious, his outlook relentlessly optimistic, and his joyful spirit made life a little brighter for everyone fortunate enough to know him.

For more than 40 years, John called Grace Community Church his spiritual home, faithfully serving his church and community in numerous capacities. His love for the Lord was reflected not only in his words, but in the way he lived—with humility, kindness, generosity, and grace.

Even throughout his 18-year journey with Parkinson's disease, John never lost the optimism, humor, and joy that defined him. Though the disease challenged his body, it could never diminish his spirit. His unwavering faith in God, love for his family, and remarkable ability to find joy in every season of life were an inspiration to all who knew him.

John leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, friendship, laughter, and love. While he will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, free from suffering, and rejoicing in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

John is survived by his four children: Joanne Jackson (Tracey), Jay Whelchel (Melissa), Matthew Whelchel (Kimmie), and Kristy Hartofilis (Nick); his eleven beloved grandchildren, Haley, Davis, Makayla, Mary, Jack, Maddie, Caroline, Vivi, Nick, and Mira; as well as many nieces, nephews, and an abundance of very special friends.

A celebration of John's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Grace Community Church, 600 West Camino Real, Boca Raton, Florida 33486, with Pastor Jason Whitener officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to Grace Community Church at https://graceboca.org.