Farrell Junior Locke

Born in Chipley, Florida on August 31, 1931, he lived a very full life and will be missed by all those whose lives he touched. His warm smile and loving heart will always be remembered. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather & great-great grandfather “Poppa.”

Farrell spent most of his life in the Florida panhandle and in the Tampa Bay area. Born into a family of 13, at a very young age Farrell worked on the family farm and then in the logging business. During his young adult life, an opportunity for work in California came up and off he went. A quick study and strong work ethic; he became one of the youngest sawyers in the area. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Thelma. With continued determination and hard work, he started his first business.

Several years later with a new wife and child in tow, he moved back to Florida where he started yet another business, Locke Landscaping, specializing in palm trees. Farrell became very successful with a great reputation and planted many of the palm trees in some well-known Florida parks such as Busch Gardens, Disney World, Adventure Island, Clearwater Beach and many, many other landmark areas in Florida, dominating the palm tree market for many years. Having a knack for business, Farrell started many other successful businesses over the years; Earth Forms, Davis Spur Station, Locke Dozier & Excavating, and a partnership in Breidenbach Nursery. Farrell also tried his hand at cattle ranching in Westville, Florida. On the 178-acre ranch were beef master cattle, pigs, goats, and a few chickens. Farrell turned this raw property into a postcard picture and became well known for his skill with an excavator; along the property lined street and beautifully manicured pastures Farrell planted his signature palm trees. Although he had a love for work, Farrell finally retired at 75 and moved back to the Tampa Bay area to enjoy time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Thelma E Locke of 65 years, his daughter Angela Rae Cheriece Locke, his grand-daughter Angel Wilkinson, her husband Phillip Petry & grand-daughter Reanee Wilkinson. He is also survived by 3 sisters Joyce Ann, Mary Ellen & Paulette and 3 brothers Billy, James & Jasper.

His memory will also live on in the hearts of his great grandson, Jonathon Michael Taylor, his wife Ashlee and great grandson, Beau Farrell Wilkinson-Jenkins. Farrell felt truly blessed to have lived to see his family line grow to 5 generations and especially so to have had an opportunity to spend many hours with his only great-great grandson, Max Ryan Taylor. Max not only got to know his Poppa, but that relationship has made a lasting impression on his young life.

A scattering of ashes will be done by Neptune Society in the Gulf of Mexico after his beloved wife joins him. Those who knew Poppa will always remember him in their hearts.

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. KJV Ecclesiastes 12:7

I can hear him from Heaven saying, “How ya doin’, pal?”