Theodore Edward Gollnick, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL passed away Thursday, April 30th, 2020 at the age of 88. Ted was born July 26, 1931 in Fort Pierce, FL, the son of Theodore and Mahala (Norton) Gollnick.

Growing up, Ted developed his love of nature, his fascination with machinery, and his strong work ethic on his family's orange groves. As a young man, he served as a machinist on a US Navy ship stationed off the coast of Japan during the Korean war. He ended his tour of duty in the Chicago, IL, area where he then went to work for IBM's typewriter division. It is there he met Mary Ehmen, who would become his wife of 60 years.

In 1960, he was given the opportunity to relocate to Jacksonville, FL to manage his aunt's family business, Liddy's Machine Shop. For the following 45 years, he ran this successful enterprise, which serviced many commercial and industrial companies throughout the southeast. In 2010, his sons assumed leadership of the shop; but Ted still came to work every day until just a few weeks before his passing. He never lost his interest fixing machines and making them run like new.

In his private life, Ted had a passion for automobiles and travel, sometimes combining the two by taking road trips through Europe. He was often seen tuning up some type of vehicle in his garage, whether it was his 1972 Porsche 911S or a dune buggy he and his sons would take out and ride. Although Ted and Mary traveled the world, they loved getting away to their vacation home in Maggie Valley, NC, where they enjoyed hiking and mountain views. He was also an avid sports fan, cheering for the Chicago Cubs or any Porsche on the racetrack. A man of quiet strength, Ted was truly the "salt of the earth," honest, forthright, and dedicated to his work and his family.

Ted is survived by his sons, Douglas Edward (Heather) and Chris Theodore; grandchildren, Darin Edward and Jennifer Lynne; and nephew, Charles Theodore Anderson (Susie Smith). He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann, and his sister Patricia Marie.

Cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211 - (904) 724-6384. Charitable donations in Ted's honor may be made to the Northeast Florida Alzheimer's Association.