More detail on this person: CAPE CANAVERAL
John Chic Applegate, 59, died on Tuesday, October
28, 2008 on his sailboat. John was a man with
many loves: the sea, flying, nature, music,
poetry, travel, adventure, surfing, and of course,
the people that he shared his life with. He was
born in Richmond, KY and moved to Cape
Canaveral, FL at age seven. He graduated from
Cocoa Beach High School and briefly attended
college in California. He served his country in
Vietnam for three years as a helicopter pilot. The
crucible of war created lifelong friendships with
his fellows of the 282 division of Black Cat
assault helicopter pilots. He continued as a
commercial helicopter pilot until he retired.
Growing up near the beach and surfing sparked his
love for the sea, but becoming the captain of
Mandala, a 50 foot sail boat truly engaged his
spirit of adventure and respect and appreciation
for Mother Nature. He lived aboard and sailed the
seven seas for many years. Johns family and
friends were his greatest treasure. He was
preceded in death by his son, Gabriel; his mother,
Cynthia Lynn Applegate; his sister, Billie Lynn
Miller, and his father, Charles F. Applegate. He
is survived by his son, Destin Applegate; his
fiance, Jewel Eggers; brother, Don Applegate; and
cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends. The
indignities of war and the loss of his 15 year old
son, Gabriel, left him deeply scarred, but his
enduring spirit shined through and he was dearly
loved and will be missed. Services will be held at
Wylie- Baxley Funeral Home in Rockledge, FL at 2
p.m., Saturday, November 1st.
Published in FLORIDA TODAY on Oct. 31, 2008
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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