John Woodside Girvin IV

John Girvin was born on March 18, 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas. As a small child his family moved to Valdosta, Georgia then Winter Garden, Florida.

John graduated from Lakeview High School in Winter Garden. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration degrees from Florida Atlantic University. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was stationed at the Chatham Lighthouse in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and then transferred to the Fowey Rocks Light House in Miami where he performed search and rescue missions off the coast of South Florida.

On January 29, 1977, John married Sharon Gordon and together they have two daughters.

John served as the first Inspector General under Florida Governor Bob Graham.

A devoted husband, proud and loving father and dear friend, John enjoyed cycling and was an avid marksman and a member at a young age of the Junior NRA. He had one of the quickest wits. John was a member of The Florida Center for Performing Arts and Education and Tallahassee Rifle and Pistol Club.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Woodside Girvin III. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Gordon-Girvin of Tallahassee, two daughters, Marie Girvin of Tallahassee and Ellen Girvin of Chicago, his mother Mary Bess Girvin and brothers Ralph and Steven of Orlando and Douglas of Jupiter, Florida.

He will be greatly missed.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, 2013 at Culley’s MeadowWood Timberlane Road Chapel from 12:00pm – 2:00pm, followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00pm.