George Blocker

George Christopher (Chris) Blocker passed away at the age of 76 on June 25, 2016 in Jacksonville, FL.  Chris lived a life befitting of his fun-loving personality.  He was thoughtful, generous, kind-hearted, and full of love and wit.  Chris is survived by his adoring wife of 35 years, Judy; their beloved cat, Boots; his children, Tasha (Tom) and Chad (Mehrasa); his grandsons Terin, Trent and Carson; his step-children Tara (John) and Matt (Stephanie); and his sister-in-law, DeAlva. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Bess; his brother, Gary; and his first wife, Sharon.

Chris was born on November 10, 1939 in Midland, TX.  Raised on a ranch in Jal, NM, his all-around athletic talent led him to a distinguished collegiate, amateur and professional golf career.  He was awarded a golf scholarship to Texas Tech where he helped the Red Raiders win their first conference championship in 1958. In 1961, he won the individual title in the competitive Southwest Conference. Because of these accomplishments, he was inducted into the Texas Tech Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. At Texas Tech, he was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity where he made countless life-long friends. In 1961, he joined the US Army, serving in Vicenza, Italy from 1962-1964.  When he returned to the US, he fulfilled his ambition of becoming a professional golfer when he joined the PGA tour in 1965.  He had a 9-year PGA career, claiming victory at a tour event in 1970. Overall Chris had more than 150 career PGA starts and 13 top-10 finishes. He is a lifetime member of the PGA. In 1971, with co-owner and PGA tour veteran Billy Maxwell, he bought Hyde Park Golf Club in Jacksonville.  For the next four decades, Chris happily dedicated himself to Hyde Park. Hyde Park was more than a golf course for Chris, it was a warm and welcoming community that he loved dearly. He was a mentor and teacher to many, and a friend to everyone who walked through the pro shop door.

Chris lived a full life rich with faith, family, friends and adventure. He enjoyed good health until this past year during his courageous fight with Pulmonary Fibrosis.  His capacity to love was infinite and the joy he brought to all who knew him was endless.  Chris will be missed always and loved forever.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 7th in the Chapel of Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, July 8th in Jacksonville National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any of the following: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Jacksonville Humane Society or the First Tee.