John Link

Ocala –

John Henry Link, 92,  passed away on August 21, 2015 at Legacy House.  Born in Fennville, Michigan, he lived in Ocala most of his life.   He is survived by his wife, Patty Link; sons, John David (Linda) Link of Ocala, and Richard Andrew Link of Sugar Hill, GA; daughter, Sue (Freddy) Norris of Valdosta, GA; four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

John served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII and fought with the 34th Red Bull Division on the front lines in Italy and Africa.

Following the war, he returned to Ocala where he met and married Patty, his wife of 68 years. He opened Link Bros. Welding and Machine Shop with his brother Bill.  Building materials were very scarce following the war, so they built their own block making machine to manufacture blocks for their first building on Main Street.   He was an accomplished welder and machinist, designing and building various equipment used throughout the S.E. United States and the Virgin Islands including starting gates and hot walkers for the horse industry, Umbaugh gyrocopters, a wind machine, and a sub for Rainbow Springs.

Personally, his creativity shined as he built and raced boats and micro-midget cars.  He enjoyed boating with family and friends. After retiring from the welding business, he and Patty owned Light Age Studios and built stained glass and beveled windows placed in homes and churches in the area.  He was a private pilot, flying small private aircraft over the years. He and his son David built a two-place experimental airplane.  He was a talented handy-man and could build anything he dreamed of.  “Papa John” attended First United Methodist Church, and had a lifelong love for music, especially big band music and was a die-hard Gator fan.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church, Ocala.  Arrangements are by Countryside Funeral Home, Anthony, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church Mission Project “Tuesday Morning Outreach”.