Johnnie “John” Wayne Arline took his last breath in this life and his first
breath in heaven on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, while surrounded by
his family.
John was born on September 20, 1950, to Ralston Jesse “RJ” and Freddie
Blitch Arline and grew up in Ocala, Florida as a third generation Marion
County native. He was the only child of his parents and had an
adventurous childhood growing up in the country where hard work was
instilled in him at an early age.
John had many God-given talents and an incredible attention to detail. He
graduated from Ocala High School, earned his Associate’s degree at
CFCC, and then went on to Florida State University where he graduated
with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972 and remained a lifelong FSU
fan. He began his career in banking and finance at Fidelity Federal.
John was a savvy businessman and a gifted real estate appraiser. He held
his Real Estate Brokers license and dabbled in real estate investment. His
first venture was creating, along with his business partners, the firm of
Albright, Peek and Arline Realty and Investment Corporation. He moved on
in partnership in 1977, forming Arline and Peek Realty and Investment
Corporation.
In 1983, he branched out on his own and started Arline & Company, Inc.
Real Estate Appraisers and Consultants and constructed his building in the
heart of the historic district of downtown Ocala. Arline & Company, Inc. saw
much success over the years under his stalwart leadership working on
large ongoing projects such as Florida Gas, Silver Springs, and properties
all across Florida and the southeast. He was often called as an expert
witness in court cases related to real estate in Florida due to his experience
and reputation for integrity in the industry.
Being active both professionally and in his community, he was a member of
the Society of Real Estate Appraisers and an MAI (Member of the
Appraisal Institute). John served on the Ocala Board of Adjustment for
nine years, was a Rotarian, and a member of the Elks Club for many years.
Later in his life, he served on the board of the Ocala Civic Theater.

Faith and traditions were important to John. He was a member of First
Presbyterian Church of Ocala where he served as an elder and on the
stewardship committee.
While actively pursuing his career, he was also busy being an amazing
husband and father. His wisdom and life experience meant that he had so
much to share, and his children loved to gain from his knowledge and
guidance. He cherished time with his family and regularly planned family
trips and vacations to continue making memories together. He loved his
family unconditionally and was their rock.
John and Marilyn loved each other fiercely. Their marriage was an
amazing inspiration and provided an example to the family as to what a
successful marriage looks like. After 33 years of marriage, they were still
completely in love with each other and never grew complacent in that love.
John captivated folks with his hilarious stories and jokes and used his dry
sense of humor to make people laugh. He will be remembered for his many
“Johnisms” that always brought a chuckle. He often joked about his “C+
life,” but those who know him would give it at least a B+.
A man of many interests and always up for an adventure, John was a
voracious reader, a talented chef, a prolific traveler, and a great lover of the
outdoors. He was an avid snow skier and enjoyed playing golf, a sport
which he “quit” at least a dozen times. He played with the same group of
golf buddies every Thursday for decades. Watching football was also a
favorite pastime of his, especially when FSU was having a good season.
He loved spending time with his family and friends and regularly took
multifamily trips together.
John was loved by many and will be greatly missed. He is preceded in
death by his parents, RJ and Freddie Arline. He is survived by his loving
wife of 33 years, Marilyn Arline; two daughters, Ashley Arline and Mallory
Serapin and her husband, Daniel; a son, Jason Alligood and his wife,
Shelly; and his grandchildren, Brandon Rubino, Casey Serapin, Caroline
Serapin, Cameron Serapin, Gavin Alligood, and Bennett Alligood.

It's hard to express how much he meant to all of us who knew him. He had
a keen gift for maintaining life-long friendships. He remained close with
friends from all the phases of his life, from high school, college, as well as
business relationships. He was loyal, dependable, and intentional in all he
did.
John passed away peacefully after a brief illness on December 3, 2025,
with Marilyn holding his left hand, Mallory holding his right hand, and the
rest of the immediate family standing there at his side sharing happy
memories. The family is planning a celebration of life on January 8, 2026 at
3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Ocala.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HUGs Charities of Ocala or
First Presbyterian Church.