William Screws, Sr.

William Jack Screws Sr., 85, went home with Christ Saturday, March 3, 2018. Jack was born December 19, 1932, in Adrian, Georgia, the eighth of nine children to A.L. and Mamie Screws. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, Margaret Screws, Pauline Spell, Emogene Doncaster, Nell Geiger, Bennie Nichols, and three brothers, Woody Screws, Jerome Screws, and Emmitt Screws. The family moved to Florida when Jack was in the first grade in school. Moving frequently, he attended first grade in three different schools in one year, settling in the Lutz area near Tampa. They moved to Williston when Jack was in sixth grade. He graduated from Williston High School in May 1952 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Septmeber 17, 1952, completed U.S. Naval School, Electricians Mates, Class "A" Service School command, U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois, July 3, 1953, Class standing: 47 of 54. Jack and his high school fellow-graduate sweetheart, Helen Wise, were married July 6, 1953 at the First United Methodist Church in Williston. He completed the Navy Training Course for Fireman for the rating of EMFN August 1, 1953 aboard the tanker U.S.S. Pecatonica (AOG-57); was appointed to rank Electrician Mate Third Class January 1, 1955 aboard the U.S.S. Pecatonica; and Electricians Mate Second Class November 16, 1955 aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Forrestal (CVA-59). His service aboard the Pecatonica included six crossings of the Atlantic Ocean from Norfolk, Virginia to ports in Bermuda, The Mediterranean Sea, Spain, Gibraltar, Tripoli, Libya, Crete, Greece, Malta, France, Italy, and New York, U.S.A. He volunteered to transfer to the new aircraft carrier U.S.S. Forrestal and was on board when it was commissioned. One cruise to Cuba was made while he was aboard. His active duty enlistment expired and he was discharged on September 17, 1956 followed by four years of reserve duty. His service time in the Navy was good, just didnt like being away from home. Jack knew from Junior High School he wanted a career with the Telephone Company, and it was an excellent choice. He was hired by Peninsular Telephone Complany in Clearwater, Florida in 1956 and then Southern Bell Telephone in Gainesville, Florida in 1962, retiring in 1995. He enjoyed his job most of the time and liked the people he worked with. Jack accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptised by the Baptist faith. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Williston, ordained as a Deacon September 29, 1974. He had served as Sunday School Director and Teacher and on many committees through the years. He was a sports fan, partial to the Gators; enjoyed Southern Gospel and old Classic Country music. His all time most favorites were Loretta Lynn, George Jones, George Strait, and of course the newcomer, Jack Screws Jr. He enjoyed Western movies and Gunsmoke. A lifetime member of the National Rifle Association of America on June 21, 2004, he was nominated to the NRA Legion of Honor attesting to dedicated, unselfish, and patriotic services to the National Rifle Association of America in the defense of freedom and the Constitution of the United States. Jack liked to hunt and fish with his family. If he wasnt hunting or fishing, he was busy doing something to get ready to go. He always had a project. He often said, "I feel like I grew up with my boys." Beloved by his survivors, high school sweetheart wife of 64 years, Helen, three sons, Jack, Jr. and wife Sherry, of Williston, Alan and wife Bonnie, of Ocala, Dan and wife Diane, of Williston, five grandchildren, Melissa Lewis and husband Matt, of Williston, Brooked Infante and husband Mike, of Niles, OH, Daniel Screws and wife Robyn, of Gainesville, Brady Screws, of Williston, Matthew Screws, of Williston, five great-grandchildren, Jason Averill, Jr. of Niles, OH, Paishence Averill, of Niles, OH, Avery Lewis, of Williston, Mikey Infante of Niles, OH, Emelynn Screws, of Gainesville, and many more relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held March 6 at 11:00 am, at the Williston First Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Orange Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 until the time of the service. Arrangements are being handled by Knauff Funeral Home, 512 East Noble Avenue, Williston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, 339 East Noble Avenue, Williston, Florida 32696. SERVICES Funeral Service

Tuesday, March 06, 2018 11:00 AM

Williston First Baptist Church Williston, Florida 32696