John Raymond MacFarlane

1930-2019

My Life Compass - God, My Wife, and My Family

Husband to Reba for 69 years; Dad to his 5 children: Teresa Allen (Robert), Gail Pheeny (Hal), Brenda Johnston (Richard), Bruce MacFarlane (Kristina) and Angela MacFarlane-Wingert; Grandpop to his 10 grandchildren, and Great-Grandpop to his 10 great grandchildren; Brother to his sister Susan Woodmansee (Warren).

John was born in Pueblo, Colorado on August 10, 1930 to John and Mary Macfarlane. He grew up in Colorado and California and at age 17 decided to join the Navy with the consent of his mother as he was a minor.

After basic training, John was assigned to squadron AV-14 as an Aviation Storekeeper aboard the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa in San Diego and sailed around the world. He continued his 26 year naval career, retiring as the most senior enlisted grade, Master Chief Petty Officer. Upon retirement, John earned his Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Rollins College.

John married his bride, Reba Ann Prevatt, in 1950 after meeting her on a blind date. They raised five children as a military family. His only son, Bruce, an Army Captain who died in Afghanistan, preceded John in death.

After his naval career, John’s entrepreneurial spirit soared. He loved people and loved challenges. He invested in a dilapidated Shell gas station and as a result of his charisma and hard work, corporate Shell recognized his station as most improved in the U. S. He then turned his energies into designing and building a forever home in Deland for himself and his wife. John’s attention to detail and “I can do it myself” spirit produced a custom, hand-built large home where many wonderful family memories were created and shared. At this same time, John was creating a successful dry cleaning business in Deland.

John and Reba’s love for travel, which started as a young married Navy couple, blossomed into a 10-year travel adventure at ages 68-78. Their favorite mode of air travel was “Space-A” on military aircraft where the availability of a seat on any given flight was never certain. They loved to plan trips to Catholic religious sites in Europe and then take “the road less traveled” staying in local B&Bs and avoiding crowds and more popular tourist spots.

John’s pivotal trip was his pilgrimage on the El Camino Santiago (Way of St. James) in France and Spain. He walked the 500 miles in three segments, at times accompanied by his wife, daughter Gail, and grandson Jonathan. John’s love of God and his Catholic faith was strengthened by his time on the Camino.

John never met a stranger. His warm smile and firm handshake welcomed everyone he met. His optimistic spirit was contagious and brought strength and comfort to his family and the world.

He went to his eternal rest on August 30, 2019 with his family at his side at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek retirement community in St. Johns, Florida.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 7, 2019 in San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church with Father John Tetlow as Celebrant

During his life, John dedicated many hands-on hours to charity work projects that supported Gold Star Families as well as the special needs community.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Camp I Am Special, a local ministry where magic happens for children and adults who face challenges and for the volunteers who participate in the experience.

www.campiamspecial.org

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Camp I Am Special: (904) 230-7447

Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025