MICHAEL AKOURY Jr.

AKOURY, JR,
MICHAEL THOMAS
Ocala - Michael Thomas Akoury, Jr., 76 of Ocala, Florida passed at his home December 1, 2012. Born in Bennington, Vermont November 29, 1936. A graduate of St. Mary's Academy, Hoosick Falls, NY, Mike attended Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, Pa. and Villanova University, Villanova, Pa.
Raised at the family home, the State Line, in North Bennington, Vt, he worked with his parents in their restaurant. On the sale of the restaurant Mike followed in the footsteps of his father entering standardbred racing as a trainer/driver in the Northeast.
Relocating with his family to Jacksonville, Mike became an in demand farrier for all breeds in the Jacksonville/Ocala area. At the age of 50, Mike began a new career with his bloodstock agency, Iron Horse Agency, which he established at his Dramein Farm in Ocala. In a normal transition he then began training thoroughbreds under his J & T Racing Stable colors campaigning his charges at numerous race tracks.
Along with training, Mike was very active in the Westport High School Future Farmers of America. He was a recipient of a citation from the National FFA in appreciation for the encouragement, cooperation and assistance he gave to the organization. Mike's friendship, caring and warmth, along with his infectious smile will be remembered and missed by all.
He is survived by Susan M. King, his companion of many years, their son Robert Earl King of Ocala; sons Anthony Michael Akoury, Robert James Akoury; daughter Brenda Akoury Poliquin, Jacksonville; their mother Helen Brooks Akoury, Ocala; step daughter Alyssa King Murphy, Pensacola; sisters Marie Akoury Monahan, Longport, NJ and Margaret Akoury Lynch, Essex, MA; grandchildren Sean Singleton, Anthony Thomas Akoury, Jacksonville; great grandchild Thomas Richard Akoury; nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 5th at the Ocala Breeders Sales Company Auditorium, 1701 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala from 2-5pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Westport High School Future Farmers of America, 3733 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34481.