Kevin C. Means of Alachua passed away at his home on Monday, November 6, 2017
Kevin was born May 21, 1958, and was preceded in death by his father, Samuel C. Means Jr. He is survived by his loving mother, Betty Ann Means, brothers Greg (MerryLynn) Means, Jeff (Valerie) Means, nieces Megan (Jeff) Davis, Molly (Wally) Ashraf, Mallory (Josh) Mullins, nephews Jared (Britney) Means, Zack (Sarah) Means and nine great-nieces and nephews.
Kevin was a very unique, patriotic, quiet man. He had many interests and a strong, loving relationship with his parents and brothers – had many friends and loved living on the family farm. He was a member of the Mikesville Presbyterian Church with a deep faith in Christ Jesus, as his Savior.
As a dedicated employee, Kevin worked his entire career in the fiber optics and communications field. He enjoyed fellowship with co-workers, sometimes grilling or smoking a pork loin for their meetings. he was a graduate of Santa Fe High School and the Vo-Tech Center in Starke. While in high school, Kevin served as President of the FFA, where he developed a keen interest in rodeo and in particular, bull riding. During this time period the chapter built and sponsored rodeo’s through the Florida High School Rodeo Association. kevin competed in bull-riding, and then traveled the rodeo circuit serving as a professional bull fighter, otherwise known as a rodeo clown. Several of th younger participants sometimes refused to compete on the bulls, unless Kevin was there to protect them.
After two years of vocational training, Kevin participated in a scholarship program through AT&T, and entered the fiber optics arena. Becoming expert with fiber optics become his life’s work. One of the high lights of his career combined his love of the Gators and his expertise with fiber optics, when he helped supervise the installation and upgrade from satellite to the new communications systems at Florida Field and the O”Dome at the University of Florida. During that first year after the upgrade, he was invited to the Skybox as the “on site” expert and trouble-shooter for the project. Another highlight of his career, occurred when he was inducted into the Summit Club, the top 1% of employees worldwide. he accepted that award at the annual MCI Fiber Optics World conference in Las Vegas.
Another interesting facet of Kevin’s life centered around his love of golf, with encouragement from his father, Kevin sought opportunities to play a round of golf where ever his work took him. Ultimately, he participated in the CGA Tours at North Hampton and Osprey Cove, where he placed 1st in the NET Division
Until his diagnosis with a rate neurological disorder, MSA(Multiple Systems Atrophy), when he wasn’t working Kevin could be found hunting deer, turkey, or wild hogs on the family farm. He was always willing to help others in distress, whether it was a flat tire, tree blocking the roadway. or vehicle in a ditch, he was there to help our. Even in death, he continues this legacy of helping others by choosing to be a donor for the University of Florida “Brain Tissue Bank, and the Neurological Movement Disorders Research. A memorial service will be held at Mikesville Presbyterian Church November 10, 2017, at 2:00pm.
