Donald C. Polk, 80, of The Villages, Florida, passed away Friday, February 9, 2018 at home, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Jessie Baker Polk, sister, Janet Lamb, and granddaughter, Ashley Brockett.
Donald was born December 2, 1937 in Miami, Florida. He graduated from High Springs HS in 1955; joining the US Navy upon graduating. On April 24, 1956, he married Miss Charlotte Wynelle Fowler. Donald was a cryptologic technician in the Navy and excelled to the rank of Senior Chief, earning numerous citations and awards throughout his career. For a period, Donald got out of the Navy and was employed by Copeland Sausage Company – the man knew his sausage. After traveling the world, he retired from the Navy but continued training his beloved sailors working for two Government (circus) contractors, SWL followed by TRW. He liked to brag he got his job at TRW while he was sleeping.
Donald was a larger than life, masterful story teller, a prankster extraordinaire but above all, a family man. He had a name for everyone, even if he didn’t, “Bud” or “Sapsucker” worked, as he never met a stranger. An avid golfer, he spent many days and more dollars in pursuit of the elusive hole in one. On June 15, 2004, he hacked his way to an Eagle.
Donald is survived by his wife, C. Wynelle Polk, his daughters: Terri Johnson (Mike), Trinity, Fl; Donna Branham (Sid), Wilmington, NC; and Charlene Polk of Williamsburg, VA; 6 grandchildren, Jennifer Rollins (Jason); Heather Sigafose (Steve); Danielle Baccante (Collin); Rachel Clair (Sean); Jenna Gates (Drew); Nicholas Branham (Nicki) Brady Polk; 6 Great-Grandchildren; twin brother Dennis Polk; sister, Caroline Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.
Fair Winds and Following Seas – Rest in Peace Shipmate – “Be Different, Be Good!”
A celebration of life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Village Church of Christ, 1421 Oak Street, Lady Lake, FL 32158.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL., 32778 / donate@cshospice.org or to the Village Church of Christ, PO Box 1051, Lady Lake, FL 32158.