WINTER HAVEN - TSgt. Johnnie L. Acker, Jr. USAF, ret., passed away from cancer on Friday, February 19, 2010 at the Winter Haven Hospital.  He was 79. 

A native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, born February 10, 1931, Johnnie moved here in 1973 from Naples, Italy.  He spent 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, serving in Vietnam, and receiving the Bronze Star for Valor. 

Johnnie is survived by his loving wife of 50 years:  Patricia; his son: Steven Acker of Auburndale; his daughter:  Donna McKay (Kenneth) of Auburndale; grandchildren:  Jenna Bilbrey (Adam), Brett Newberry (Becky), Corey Wimberly; great-grandchildren:  Ayden, Carlee, Jonathan, and Kira;  Five sisters and two brothers in North Carolina; brother-in-law: Michael Dragedore of Winter Haven; niece:  Joanne, Wakeley, Jensen, and Julie in England; also many friends. 

A gathering of friends will be Wednesday, February 24, 2010 from 6 to 7 PM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Winter Haven. 

Memorial services will follow at 7 PM.  Interment will be Thursday, 12 noon at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL with full military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.  Condolences to the family can be sent to:  Teetime3390@aol.com., or www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.