William Thomas “Tom” Templer, Jr., 75, of Green Cove Springs, Florida, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, after a long battle with dementia and cancer.

Tom was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, to the late William Thomas Templer, Sr. and Margie Hill Templer. After graduating from Richard King High School in 1970, he enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning a career that would become one of the proudest and most defining parts of his life. His 20 years of service took him throughout the United States and the world. The Navy gave him countless stories that he continued to share long after his retirement. Tom was incredibly proud to be an Aviation Electrician Mate Senior Chief in the Navy and proud of the years he spent serving his country.

In retirement, Tom enjoyed playing golf and developed a passion for coin collecting. He also had a fun and unexpected love for collecting SpongeBob memorabilia, something that always showed the playful side of his personality.

Everyone who knew Tom knew that he was never afraid to tell you exactly what he thought. He was straightforward, quick-witted, and had a sense of humor all of his own. He loved joking with his family, sharing stories, and reminiscing about his years in the Navy, especially over a cold Miller Lite.

Behind that tough, tell-it-like-it-is personality was a man who cared deeply for his family. One of the greatest examples of that love was the care and devotion he showed his mother during the later years of her life.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Margie Templer.

He is survived by his four daughters, Robin Templer, Cheryl Merritt (Wesley Hatcher), Pam Tune (Brandon), and Kimberly Templer; the mother of his daughters, Teresa Templer; his sister, Debra Templer; and his brother, James Templer (Donna)

He was also the proud “Papa” of nine grandchildren: Jordan Jackson, Ashley Loftus, Kayla Merritt, Justin Templer, Trent Bennett, Trista Bennett, Hunter Tune, Clayton Ross, and Auria Walden; and four great-grandchildren: Adalynn Loftus, Parker Loftus, Charli Templer, and Tate Ross.

Dementia may have slowly taken away many of Tom’s memories and, in time, his ability to recognize some of the people he loved most, but it could never take away the memories his family made with him. Those memories—his Navy stories, his humor, his unmistakable personality, and the sayings that could only come from Tom—will continue to be shared for generations.

A memorial service celebrating Tom’s life will be held Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Russell Haven of Rest, where he will receive full military honors in recognition of his 20 years of honorable service to his country.   The family will hold a private interment at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Tom’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Fair winds and following seas, Tom. Your watch is over.