Harold Bodkin, Jr.

H. Garth Bodkin Jr., 79 years, “Garth” to those that knew him, passed away on September 12, 2025 at the Malcolm Randolph Veterans Hospital in Gainesville, FL after a long battle with heart disease. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his loving family. Garth was the son of Harold Garth Bodkin Sr. and Ruth Lambert of Apopka, FL. 

He was born in West Virginia on May 9, 1946, the oldest of three children. Garth served in the U.S. Army from 1969 through 1973, including 13 months in Vietnam. A Patriot, Garth was Post Commander for the VFW (Post #6556) in Littleton, MA for 18 years. He maintained and active horse shoeing business for over 45 years, mentoring many young people who wanted to become farriers. During his years as a farrier, Garth became a well-known and respected farrier for both show horses and dressage horses up and down the East coast. In 2022, he and his wife moved to their horse farm outside of Ocala, FL where he expanded his passion for working with horses, breeding and training race horses. On most days, Garth could be found in the barn or out in the field on the tractor enjoying the property. 

Garth is survived by his sister, Deb Cullen and husband Mike of Southport, NC; brother Steve Bodkin of Northboro, MA; his wife, Kerry Reynells of Morriston, FL; his son, Reed Bodkin of Wells river, VT; his daughter, Samantha Bodkin of Auburn, MA; his step children, Seth Reynells of Hilton Head, SC and Sarah Brown of Fellsmere, FL; and four grandchildren: Kim, Sadie, Opal, and Vincent. 

 A celebration of life (TBD) will be held for Garth and the family requests that donations be made to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements are entrusted to Weems & Sons Funeral Homes, 512 East Noble Avenue Williston, Florida 32696.