In Memoriam: July 4-5

Bill Jason Cluck, 46, Vero Beach

Bill “Billy” Jason Cluck, 46, of Vero Beach, passed away unexpectedly on June 30, 2018, in Sebastian.  Bill was born in Leesburg, Fla., on Aug. 28, 1971, to Katherine Fultz Cluck and Celdon Cluck of Palm City, Fla.

His sarcastic wit was honed to perfection over the years alongside his big brother, Gary (Sheri) Cluck, of Memphis, Tenn.

Bill was the best example of a hardworking family man; he had the enviable ability of being able to give his all to work and family without either feeling slighted.

Bill’s early years were spent in Hialeah, Fla., where he learned what was important in life: Faith, Family, and Fishing.

He was a whirlwind of activity at an early age with no intention of slowing down and he never did.

He graduated from Northwest Mississippi CC in 1991 with an FAA Mechanics Certificate, his BS in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Memphis in 1997, and his MBA from The University of Texas in 2004.

He was the Chief Design Engineer/ODA Unit Member-Structures for Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach.

Ask anyone who worked with him and they will tell you that if you had a question, Bill probably knew the answer.

He will be sorely missed by his colleagues and friends.

Although his wife and daughters were always his first loves, rugby was a close second.  He developed his taste for rugby in 1995 as a winger for the Dry Gulch RFC in Memphis, Tenn.  He was part of a team in every city he lived, from Wichita, Kan., to Fort Worth, Texas.

He earned the bulk of his experience on the field as a player, as well as on the sidelines as a coach, with the Indian River Men’s Rugby Club in Vero Beach.

In 2018 he was voted in as the Indian River Rugby Club president for both the men’s and women’s teams. Describing Bill as dedicated wouldn’t begin to portray his passion for the game and his tenacity toward improving and expanding the club. Go Raptors!

When he wasn’t at work or on the pitch, you could find Bill on the water.  He had a penchant for fishing, scalloping, snorkeling, boating, and exploring.  He truly believed “a little saltwater will cure anything.” Bill enjoyed genealogy and travel, home improvement projects, cultivating bananas and pineapples in his backyard, Miami Hurricane football, and was close to becoming a genuine owl whisperer.

He was a character, but no fool. Although he can never be replaced, his legacy will live on through his children and every life he inspired.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Richelle Grothause Cluck; three daughters, Caitlin Aisling, Ava Gloria Rose, and Bailey Erin; and the best dog ever, Desi; as well as an extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that will miss his quick wit, easy smile, and generous nature.

He was preceded in death by loving grandparents, Ralph “Red” Fultz and Gloria Freedlund Fultz, and Sam Cluck and Mildred Booth Cluck.

A Celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, at Strunk Funeral Home Chapel in Sebastian, with Deacon John Dunlop officiating.

If you so choose, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284, or www.Heart.org

 

John R. Davidson, 87, Vero Beach

John R. “Mr. D” Davidson, 87, of Vero Beach, died Sunday, July 1, 2018, with his wife by his side. He was born to the late Randall and Grace Davidson on Feb. 18, 1931, in Detroit, Mich.

John graduated from Michigan State with a Master’s Degree in Physical Education. He and his wife moved to Connecticut where he taught at Braeburn Elementary School in West Hartford, Conn., for 36 years. He was loved and respected by the many students, families, and fellow co-workers.

Upon retiring to Vero Beach, he worked at Bent Pine Country Club where he enjoyed golfing, gardening, antiquing and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Davidson; and children, Carol (Jon) Swagger, of Vero Beach, and Cathy (Todd) Nash, of Naperville, Ill.; and five grandchildren, Michelle (Karl) Ring, Catherine Swagger, James Swagger, Alexis Nash and Garrett Nash.

Interment will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 21, at Crestlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made out to The Alzheimer’s Association or A.S.P.C.A.

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