Willie Zack Florence

Willie Zack Florence, 93 years of age, went home to his Lord, May 6, 2010. He was born February 28, 1917 at Draw, Texas in Lynn County. His parents were the late Lois and Walter Zack Florence of Tahoka, Texas. After completing high school Willie enrolled in Howard Payne College in Brownwood, Texas on a track scholarship (shot putt and discus). It was during his years at Howard Payne that Willie enlisted in the United States Army (1940). He served in the 36th Infantry Division. He had earned the rank of Master Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1943. Willie married Reva E. Veach on April 26, 1942 in New Home, Texas. They were married for 63 years. He graduated from Texas Technological College in 1948 with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. While at Tech he "lettered" in track with the shot putt and discus. He was also a member of the Double T Letterman's Association. Soon after graduating from Texas Tech, Willie was hired by Southwestern Public Service to be the plant engineer at their TUCO power plant near Abernathy, Texas. While at TUCO he became the plant manager. Willie retired from Southwestern Public Service in 1983 while serving as manager at Southwestern Public Service's Plant X located near Sudan, Texas. Willie was a Southern Baptist and served as a deacon in the First Baptist Church, Abernathy and then in the First Baptist Church, Littlefield, Texas. He also taught Sunday School at both churches. He was active in the Lions Club while in Abernathy. Hobbies enjoyed by Willie were photography, training hunting dogs and quail/dove hunting. Because of his sense of humor and quick wit he was asked to emcee functions at work and in his church. After Reva's death on October 9, 2005, Willie moved to Weatherford in November of the same year to be near his daughter and son-in-law, Jan and James May. Willie was a resident of Autumn Hill Manor in Weatherford, Texas, at the time of his death. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Larry Zack and Marilyn Florence of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and daughter and son-in-law Reva Jan and James May of Weatherford, Texas. He is also survived by granddaughter Malae Florence Blakeley and husband John; great-granddaughter Margaux Blakeley and greatgrandson Yannick Blakeley all of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; grandson Jeremy May and wife Leila, twin great-grandsons Adam and Austin May all of Azle, granddaughter Julie May Coppock and husband Patrick; great-granddaughter Payton Coppock all of Willow Park. Other survivors include a brother, Charles J. Florence and wife Jo of Kingsland, Texas; along with two sisters Louise Hensley of Weatherford; Mamie Hackenburg of Holland, Michigan, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of friends. He was predeceased by a brother J. B. Florence and wife, Leona; brothers-in-law Zan Hensley and Arthur Hackenburg.
 
Graveside services will be held at the Abernathy Cemetery on May 8, 2010 at 2:00 pm        Visitation will be at 11 am before the service at the First Baptist Church in Abernathy. Galbreaith-Pickard funeral home is in charge of local arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family would be pleased for you to make donations to your church or charity of your choice.
 
Willie's family thanks the wonderful staff at Autumn Hill Manor and Alpha & Omega Hospice for their care and support during this time.