Arnold Jack Opler, a beloved and highly regarded local entrepreneur and businessman, died peacefully on Monday in Atlanta, Georgia following a brief illness.
Jack is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy Beyer Opler; two children, Laurel Wagner, of Mobile, Alabama, and Stephen Opler, of Atlanta, Georgia; and by four grandchildren, Nancy Gracen Klein, Anne Laurence Klein, Jack Opler Klein, and Jacob Arnold Opler.
Jack was born in Chicago, Illinois, graduated from the Pennington School, a private boarding school in New Jersey, and attended the University of Illinois where he was a member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity. He served in the United States Air Force. Prior to moving to Florence almost 60 years ago, he resided in Memphis, Tennessee and began a successful career with Wurzburg Brothers Co. He was known for his work ethic, having worked from the age of 16 until his death. Jack founded and ran Jack Opler Sales Company, Inc. in Muscle Shoals for over 45 years.
Jack was well known for his quick wit, infectious humor, and his unwavering commitment to the highest ideals.
Jack was passionate about flying; he was a licensed pilot for almost 30 years and accumulated over 5,000 flight hours. Jack was a long-time member of the Florence Rotary club, where he was a past president and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. Jack was a member of Temple B’Nai Israel, where he was also a past president. He was a quiet supporter of many organizations and causes, once taking over as the secret Santa for area youth from Henry Grady Richards.
The family will receive visitors from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday evening at Elkins Funeral Home, 1535 Hermitage Drive, in Florence. There will be a private burial on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a charity of your choice .
Steve Chenault and Elkins Funeral Home are assisting the family.
