Jack A. Weatherford, Major, USAF (Retired)
January 29, 1935 – October 16, 2023

Jack A. Weatherford

FORT WALTON BEACH – Jack A. “Paw Paw” Weatherford, 88 passed away on October 16, 2023, after a long and full life full of adventures, politics, and laughs.

Jack was born on January 29,1935 in Brownsville, TX. At the young age of 18, he started his military career which took him all over the world piloting numerous planes and helicopters for thousands of hours. The highlight of his military career was his deployments to Southeast Asia where he first met his beloved wife of over 50 years while stationed in Udorn, Thailand.

Jack’s love for adventure and for caring for others led him to earn exemplary recognition throughout his career. From the early days of piloting weather reconnaissance in a C-130 to his favorite B-47 StratoJet and then as a CSAR pilot of the CH-3E. In late 1970 while flying the CH-3E helicopter, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts despite intensive ground fire and mortar attacks on every sortie, Major Weatherford continued to prosecute his assigned mission and contributed directly to the successful tactical deployment. He served 20+ years in the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of Major in 1973. In 1974, he served as the Vice Commander of VFW Post 10249 in Udorn, Thailand, and holds a lifetime membership.

In 1984, Jack and Wannee made Fort Walton Beach their permanent home. Family and friends meant the world to Jack and he was always ready to share his advice for life, how to fix something (even if it was not broken), and had the best jokes (depending on who you ask). Some people may know Jack from NewsTalk 1260AM WFTW, also known as “Just the Facts Jack” where he enjoyed sharing his opinions and vast knowledge regarding politics for many years at 7:20 am on many mornings.

Jack is survived by his wife, Wannee, sons Russ (Joann) and Akarin (Hope), daughter Narissa (Ben), and grandsons, Brayden, Ashton and Corbin.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 on October 25, 2023, at McLaughlin Mortuary at 17 Chestnut Avenue, Southeast, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 In place of flowers, please consider donating to Healing Hoof Steps where Narissa, Jack’s daughter, is the founder and CEO.