John William Bill Acuff Sr.

ACUFF John William Bill Acuff Sr., 82, passed away Thursday, September 8, 2016. He was a native of Lake Wales, Florida. Mr. Acuff retired in Jacksonville from the U.S. Coast Guard after 21 years, having served during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. After the Coast Guard he worked for the Charter Corporation and then finished his career with JEA. Bill was a member of Melbourne Masonic Lodge in Melbourne, FL and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite member of the Morocco Temple of the Shrine. He was also a member of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville. Bill was preceded in death by a step-grandson, Adam Kirkpatrick. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Acuff; three sons, Billy Acuff, Jr. Michael Acuff and Patrick Acuff; one step-daughter, Carol Forest; one granddaughter, Sarah Allison Acuff, four step-grandchildren, Kristen Murgio, Kiley Fontaine, Luke Forest and Ben Forest; other loving family and friends. Graveside services with Military Honors and Masonic Rites will be held at 11:30 am Wednesday, September 14, in Evergreen Cemetery (Gate #2), with Rev. Steve McCollum of First Baptist Church Jacksonville, officiating. Following the service, there will be a gathering to celebrate his life at his and Shirley's home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Morocco Temple of the Shrine, 3800 St. Johns Bluff Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224. Arrangements by: Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 1426 Rowe Avenue.