Legendary Florida Citrus Grower And Advocate Passes

Photo courtesy of Florida Citrus Mutual

Photo courtesy of Florida Citrus Mutual

A Florida citrus industry icon and Wauchula, FL, resident Joe L. Davis Sr. passed away this week at the age of 91. He is considered a true pioneer, helping build the industry, particularly in Hardee County.

Davis was a realtor and a citrus grove owner in Polk, Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto counties.  He served as chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission twice after being appointed by Gov. Graham in the 1970’s and reappointed by Gov. Chiles in the 1990’s. For his dedication to the industry, he was inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in 1999.

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“I considered Mr. Davis a friend, mentor, and a leading voice on all of the issues facing our industry,” said Mike Sparks, Florida Citrus Mutual’s executive vice president and CEO. “One thing about Joe is that you always knew where you stood with him. It was refreshing to say the least. We will miss his sage advice and presence throughout the industry. Florida has truly lost one of its citrus legends.”

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Davis is survived by his wife of 68 years, Patricia M. Davis; his son and daughter-in-law, Joe L. Davis, Jr. and Gloria C. Davis; three grandchildren, Laurel, Ashley, and Savannah; and two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Olivia.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Wauchula where he was a member at 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home, the American Cancer Society, or the Hardee County YMCA (863-773-6445).

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