JOHN FRANKLIN "Jack" BLUDWORTH, JR.

John F. Bludworth, Jr. was born January 16, 1939 in Fayette, Alabama and transitioned to his heavenly home Saturday, April 9, 2022 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida   Jack was beloved as a son, brother,  husband, father, grandfather,  uncle and friend.  He always had a smile and was ready to comfort and encourage others.

Jack graduated from Walton High School in 1957 where he achieved All Conference status in football, basketball and baseball.  He attended Auburn University on a baseball scholarship and graduated with a master’s degree in education.  He taught science and coached at Cullman High School until his marriage.  In 1965 the Okaloosa school system welcomed him as a coach at Niceville High School and then Choctawhatchee High School.  He held administrative positions at Choctawhatchee High School, Max Bruner Jr. High School, Cherokee Elementary (Eglin Elementary) and as assistant superintendent.  He was a respected educator who loved his students, players and co-workers.  Jack returned to Walton County in 1996 and served as Superintendent of Schools until 2000.

He is predeceased by his parents John Frank and Nina Culley Bludworth; in-laws, Walter and Lucille Hall McCollough; two infant daughters and his brother Patrick C. Bludworth.

Jack is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn; sons, Brad and Bryan, grandchildren, Hayden, Alaina, Peyton, Campbell, Grayson, Harrison and Holden.  His surviving siblings are David H. (Bunny) Bludworth, Nancy B. Davidson, Robert (Bo) Bludworth and wife Sheila, Margaret (Gator) Little and husband Ken and sister-in-law Mitzy Bludworth.  Jack shared special bonds with his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the Okaloosa medical community, Regency Hospice, friends, neighbors who lifted Jack in prayer and gave so much support during his illness.

Among those asked to serve as pallbearers are James Cecil Hall, Ben Watts, Emery Baker, Jack Owen, Lloyd Skipper, Tony Adkison, John Morgan Little, Kyle Thompson and David Earl Drake.

Floral arrangements are being accepted or memorials may be made in Jack Bludworth’s memory to First Baptist Church, 216 East Live Oak Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433.  A time of visitation will be Thursday, April 14, 2022 from 9 until 10 A.M. in First Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs with the funeral beginning at 10 A.M. in the church,  Burial will follow in the Bludworth Family Plot in Cluster Springs Cemetery.    Friends and family may go on line to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest register at jerryevansfuneralhome.com