William E. “Bill” Lynn, 87, of Jacksonville, passed away Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at the home of his son and daughter-in-law.

He was born Apr. 4, 1925, in Jacksonville, the son of Fred and Vivian Skinner Lynn. He married Betty Jane Denney on June 12, 1943, in Jacksonville, and she preceded him in death on July 15, 2012.

He is survived by one son, Mark E. (Linda) Lynn of Jacksonville; four grandchildren, Robert (Allyssa) Lynn of Jacksonville, David (Becky) White of Chandler, AZ, and Laura White and Sarah (B.J.) Garman, both of Jacksonville; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one sister, Jean Snyder; and two brothers, Richard “Dick” Lynn and Mike Lynn.

Mr. Lynn was a World War II veteran, joining the U.S. Navy in December, 1942, during his senior year in high school. He was honorably discharged as an Aviation Machinist Mate in 1946, following the war’s end, and received his degree from Jacksonville High School in 1948. He then worked at Stubblefield-Corrington Garage in the parts department. Bill’s passion was golf, and he soon began a lifelong career that included being a greens keeper, course superintendent, instructor and Golf Pro at the Virginia Country Club, Jacksonville Country Club and Nichols Park. In 1974, he and his wife Betty opened the New Venture Store in downtown Jacksonville, buying and selling antiques. He then retired as a route salesman for Warelubeco. After that, he opened Bill Lynn’s Golf in downtown Jacksonville, making custom clubs and providing a place for his golf buddies to hang out.

A memorial service will be held 5 p.m. Tuesday at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Burial will be held at a later date at Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The family will meet friends 4-5 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to the Robbie McEvers Memorial Golf Tournament. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com.