In Memoriam | July 2024
Glenn I. Jones | BSBA ’50 | 1928-2024 | Jones, of Lake City, Florida, passed on April 25. He graduated from Columbia High in 1945 before serving in the Navy for two years. He later earned a business degree from the University of Florida in 1950, where he met his wife Doris Register. After working briefly at R J Reynolds Tobacco Company, he was recalled to the Navy for the Korean War, marrying Doris in Georgia and spending nearly two years stationed at Pearl Harbor. Returning to Lake City in 1967, Glenn purchased O B Bradley Oil Company, expanding into air conditioning and heating, and remained active in community service and his church while enjoying retirement.
Jim Purcell III | BSBA ’52 | 1930-2024 | Purcell, of Temple Terrace, Florida, passed on April 16. Born to Edward J. Purcell II and Marie Woods Purcell, he grew up in a village on the edge of a swamp with siblings Jackie Purcell, Joan Bailey, and Jerri Myers. He met his wife Martha Ann Wiggs Purcell at Mulberry High School, where they began a lifelong journey together. Jim graduated from the University of Florida through the ROTC program, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Martha’s support was pivotal as Jim earned his MBA while balancing military service and raising their five children across various locations. His career spanned from the Air Force, where he served as a Lt. Col. overseeing military budgets, to Voice of America in Washington DC, before returning to Florida to work in computer sales at Radio Shack and later in budgeting at the City of Tampa.
Robert W. Brack Jr. | BSBA ’52 | 2024 | Brack, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed on May 7. Bob, son of Robert W. Brack, Sr. and Helen W. Brack, grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and Spring Valley, New York. He attended Bolles Military Academy and the University of Florida, earning a double major in Finance and Economics. Beginning his military career in the ROTC at UF, he later served in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Lt. Colonel after 28 years. Bob also had a distinguished 30-year career in the insurance industry, culminating as Vice President of the Life Underwriting Training Council in Washington, DC. A dedicated Mason and Shriner, he played “Snoopy” with the Cartoon Capers to support children’s causes.
Robert H. Conley | AA ’51, BSBA ’53 | 2024 | Conley, of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, passed on March 27. He was born in Winter Haven, Florida, to Harry and Ludie Conley. He grew up working in the family business and became a skilled water skier at Cypress Gardens, appearing in films with Esther Williams and performing for US troops via the USO. After graduating from the University of Florida and serving in the ROTC, Bob enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for 40 years, retiring as a Colonel and Commandant of the OCS in New Orleans. Bob married Peggy McNaul, had three sons, and enjoyed a successful sales career before settling in Metairie, Louisiana. Active in his community, he received the “Key to the City of New Orleans” in 1967 and later returned to Winter Haven, where he continued his charitable work and was honored as “Kiwanian of the Year” in 2014 by the local Kiwanis Club.
Lieutenant Colonel James W. Joiner | BAA ’53 | 1930-2024 | Joiner, of Tifton, Georgia, passed on March 15. He lived a remarkable life dedicated to service. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Florida, he served with honor in the United States Air Force for many years before retiring. His unwavering commitment to his country left a lasting impact. Beyond his distinguished career, Mr. Joiner was a passionate fan of UFC football and basketball, supporting his beloved Gators. He also found joy in gardening, especially nurturing roses, and cherished caring for his wife, Dixie Lee Salter Joiner, for forty years until her passing, a testament to their enduring love.
Dr. Gene T. Sherron | BSBA ’53 | 2024 | Sherron, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed on April 3. He passed away after a week filled with cherished moments with friends and family. He grew up in Hollywood, Florida, and graduated from the University of Florida with a BS in Business Administration. Gene served as a Colonel in the Army for 23 years, earning commendations including the Silver Star for valor in Vietnam. Transitioning to academia, he made significant contributions to higher education at the University of Maryland and Florida State University, pioneering innovative distance learning methods and leaving a lasting impact on curriculum development.
Terese V. Douglass | BSBA ’55 | 1933-2024 | Douglass, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed on February 7. Born in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii to Terese Hall Vernon and Colonel Percy McCay Vernon, she settled with her family in St. Augustine, Florida after moving frequently due to her father’s military career. She graduated from Ketterlinus High School and later earned a business degree from the University of Florida, following brief stints at the University of Kentucky and Florida State University. Known affectionately as Mannah to her family, she was a devoted companion to her husband Dexter for over 55 years. Her gentle and inclusive nature defined her role in the Douglass family, where she nurtured a thriving household and managed Anhinga Farms alongside Dexter, specializing in raising registered Polled Herefords and maintaining vibrant gardens and aviaries filled with various bird species.
Robert E. Groth | BSBA ’56 | 1931-2024 | Groth, of Maitland, Florida, passed on April 29. He was born in Chicago to Sylvia and Avald Groth. After serving in the Korean War and settling in Orlando, he married Peggy Jo Pounds and graduated from the University of Florida in 1956. Returning to Orlando, Bob embarked on successful business ventures, eventually becoming a McDonald’s franchisee with eight stores. He later married Dorothy Suzanne Vacca (Suzanne) and raised three children in Maitland, enjoying a vibrant social life and pursuing his passions for cooking, gardening, and staying active at the YMCA. Bob’s household was known for its warmth, hospitality, and love of music, entertaining friends, and enjoying life on Lake Maitland and New Smyrna Beach.
Norman G. Carlson | BSBA ’56 | 1933-2024 | Carlson, of Palm Coast, Florida, passed on May 10. He became a revered figure in the Florida Gators Athletic Program after graduating from the University of Florida. He started his career as a sportswriter for the Atlantic Journal and later became the Sports Information Director at Auburn University before joining UF upon Ray Graves’ invitation. Norm’s influence extended far beyond Gainesville, handling media relations for UF football, coaching staff, and bowl games. He was instrumental in promoting Heisman winners like Steve Spurrier and shaping UF football history, contributing to the creation of the Heisman Statues and the “Ring of Honor.” Norm retired in 2002 but continued as UF’s football historian for another decade. His legacy includes a dedicated press deck named in his honor and his contributions to Gator football spanning 462 consecutive games. Norm cherished his peaceful life in Palm Coast with his wife Sylvia and was deeply devoted to his family, leaving behind a lasting impact on those who knew and admired him.
Guy J. Loudermilk Jr. | BSBA ’56 | 1933-2024 | Loudermilk, of Winter Park, Florida, passed on February 27. He achieved early distinction as one of Florida’s youngest Eagle Scouts at age 17. He excelled academically and athletically at the University of Florida-Gainesville, where he swam for the fighting Gators and led Sigma Chi fraternity as President. After marrying Dorothy Posey Beyer in 1956, he served in the Army in Columbia, SC, before beginning a successful banking career in Daytona Beach, FL. Moving to Winter Park in 1970, Jack held executive roles at Barnett Bank, Winter Park National Bank, and Bank First, while actively contributing to community organizations and serving as Chamber of Commerce President and on the Board of Winter Park Hospital.
Elliott H. Gathercoal | BSBA ’56 | 1934-2024 | Gathercoal, of Lady Lake, Florida, passed on April 3. At 14, he moved to Miami Beach, FL, and graduated from Miami Beach Senior High School in 1951. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Florida in 1955, he began a 32-year career at Southern Bell Telephone Company, later BellSouth, holding various management roles until his retirement in 1987. Following this, he founded Elliott’s Creamy Cheesecake, which he operated successfully until 1994. He and his wife Susan embarked on a two-year journey to Sutton Coldfield, England, in 1994, enjoying extensive international travel before settling in The Villages, FL in 1996. An enthusiast of golf, fitness, bridge, opera, Scotch, and global exploration, he found joy in these pursuits throughout his life.
Ronald A. Van Den Bussche | BAA ’56 | 1934-2024 | Bussche, of Elk Grove Vlg, Illinois, passed on March 10. He is survived by his children Patricia, Ronald Jr., Pamela, Elizabeth, Edward, and David, along with grandchildren and great-grandchild, attended the University of Florida, where he earned a degree in accounting. He married Leona Susala in 1956 and settled in Chicago, where he worked over 40 years at Telemedia, Inc., retiring as CFO and continuing as a consultant for several more years.
Nancy L. Watson | BSBA ’56 | 2024 | Watson, of Lighthouse Point, Florida, passed on April 18. Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to St. Petersburg, Florida with her family in the 1950s. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 1956 and taught business education at Hollins High School in Pinellas Park, where she inspired many students over decades. After retiring, Nancy pursued lifelong learning at St. Petersburg College, exploring diverse subjects like equestrian care and rescue diving. An avid traveler, she ventured to Russia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean during her summer breaks. Her deep Christian faith anchored her life, and she was a devoted member of St. James United Methodist Church for many years.
Alan G. Divers | BSBA ’57 | 1935-2024 | Divers, of Tampa, Florida, passed on May 17. He grew up in Clearwater, attended local schools, and graduated from Clearwater High School in 1953. He earned his degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Florida in 1957 after attending St. Petersburg Junior College. Serving 15 years in the United States Naval Reserve with four years on active duty, he retired early as a Lieutenant Commander due to family and business commitments. Known for his civic, social, and religious involvement, he received multiple honors for his contributions.
Frank D. Newman Jr. | BSBA ’55, BLW ’57 | 1933-2024 | Newman, of Elizabethton, Tennessee, passed on January 21. He led a life dedicated to law, service, and community. After graduating from Coral Gables High School in 1950 and earning his law degree from the University of Florida in 1957, he served with distinction as a Captain in the U.S. Army Special Forces during the Vietnam War, rising to the rank of Major and receiving the Bronze Star. Frank practiced law in Jacksonville, DeLand, and Miami before retiring in 2002 and settling in Elizabethton, Tennessee, where he was honored as the 2019 East Tennessee Foundation Citizen of the Year for his community contributions.
James R. Kaufman | BSBA ’57 | 1936-2024 | Kaufman, of Miami, Florida, passed on May 19. He co-founded an accounting firm with Jay Rossin based on their vision of creating a positive workplace. Established on this premise, the firm has grown to 700 employees and is now the leading independent accounting firm in their state. Jim, a graduate of the University of Florida in 1953 and a member of Pi Lam, cherished lifelong friendships and pursued diverse interests such as skiing, hiking, and scuba diving. He also passionately supported the performing arts and was an avid reader and advocate for individual rights, consistently backing the ACLU.
Robert L. Read Jr. | BSBA ’58 | 1936-2024 | Read, of Lakeland, Florida, passed on April 1. He graduated from Bartow High School and the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1958, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. He began his career with Sherwin-Williams Paints in Bartow and later managed their DeLand branch. Moving to Lakeland in 1978, Bob remained active in community service through organizations like the Jaycees, Lions Club, and Polk Computer Users Group, where he served as President. He was honored as the Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year in 2019, continuing his community involvement even after retiring from Napa Motor Parts.
Roy A. Porter Jr. | BSBA ’59 | 1937-2024 | Porter, of Longwood, Florida, passed on May 7. He earned an Associate in Arts Degree from Pensacola Junior College and a BSBA Degree from the University of Florida in 1959, where he met his wife Marjorie Klettner. They married in 1960 and raised three children in Florida and Texas. His career spanned leadership roles in insurance companies in Atlanta, New York, and Raleigh, as well as at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn and Marsh & McLennan, Inc. in Houston, Texas. Al served as an Elder at Presbyterian churches in Michigan, Texas, and Florida, enjoyed golfing globally, and maintained a passion for model trains, creating elaborate layouts in both Texas and Florida.
Charles R. McCarty | BSBA ’60 | 1938-2024 | McCarty, of Brentwood, Tennessee, passed on March 11. Originally from Winter Haven, FL, he moved to Lakeland as a child with his family. Charles’s father Henry played a pivotal role in introducing him to his wife Karen Cash McCarty, whom he met through their church and later attended The University of Florida with after becoming high school sweethearts. His beloved sister Barbara McCarty resides in Waynesville, NC.
Arcadio D. Rodriguez Jr. | BSBA ’61 | 1934-2024 | Rodriguez, of Miami, Florida, passed on March 24. He was a proud third-generation Conch. After serving in the US Army during the Korean War era and earning a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Florida in 1961, he married Jean Rogers in 1962. Rod dedicated himself to both his family and career, starting with Firestone Tires before establishing his successful business, Banner Tire and Garage, in 1973, which he ran for 45 years. An avid outdoorsman, Rod enjoyed hunting across the United States, Canada, and Africa, and cherished his Cuban heritage, hometown, and family above all else.
Glen H. Holiman | BSBA ’61 | 1936-2024 | Holiman, of Dunwoody, Georgia, passed on May 10. He was cherished as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and loyal friend to many. Family always came first for Glen, who spent his early years in South America, Dallas, and Miami. After graduating from Miami High School in 1954, he served three years in the U.S. Army in Germany before returning to complete his B.S. in Business Administration at the University of Florida in 1961. Glen, a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, where he served as President, met his beloved wife Bonnie (Butler) during his college years, and they married in 1962, embarking on a 62-year journey together. Glen is survived by Bonnie.
Thomas M. Donahoo Sr. | BSBA ’62 | 2024 | Donahoo, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed on May 22. He was predeceased by his parents, John W. Donahoo and Jeanne R. Donahoo, as well as his sister, Jeanne D. Clapp, and brother, John W. Donahoo Jr. He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Hazel Harby Donahoo; his children, Thomas M. Donahoo Jr. (Jennifer) and Elizabeth Donahoo Bishop (Tom); seven grandchildren; and extended family members. Tom was deeply involved in his community, excelling in athletics during his youth, and later pursuing a successful career in law. He was dedicated to the University of Florida, serving on various boards and supporting its athletic programs. Tom’s life was marked by his commitment to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and his extensive contributions to educational and charitable endeavors in Jacksonville. He will be remembered for his generosity, love for his family, and his passion for outdoor activities.
Frank T. Reno | BAA ’63 | 1928-2024 | Reno, of Bradenton, Florida, passed on May 6. He passed away peacefully with his daughters Robin and Cindy by his side. Known for his humorous “Frankisms” and profound introspection, he was a man of many words and often left friends and family amused with his quirky sayings. A deeply spiritual individual, Frank’s kindness and generosity reflected his lifelong quest for the Divine. A family man through and through, he cherished his role as a second father to some and a beloved Uncle to many. Frank served in the Air Force as a trumpeter, earned his business degree from the University of Florida, and later became an entrepreneur, founding his own company at the age of 80.
Neal S. Keys | BSBA ’63 | 1940-2024 | Keys, of North Miami Beach, Florida, passed on April 30. He was a prominent real estate attorney in North Miami Beach for over 50 years. He settled in Eastern Shores, North Miami Beach, in 1973 and was actively involved in his community as a director of the homeowners’ association. Neal graduated from North Miami Senior High in 1959, earned a BSBA from the University of Florida, and obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa School of Law. He was an avid traveler, art collector, and entrepreneur, known for founding Palm Travel Agency and developing the Grand Oaks subdivision in Alachua County, Florida.
Calvin B. Brown | BSBA ’65 | 1943-2024 | Brown, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed on April 16. He grew up in Vero Beach, graduating from Vero Beach High School in 1961, where he excelled in football, track, and golf, and won the state high school mile race. After attending Wake Forest College on an athletic scholarship and earning his B.S. in Business from the University of Florida in 1965, he went on to obtain his Juris Doctor from Stetson University in 1968. Cal practiced law in Polk County before returning to Vero Beach, where he became a senior partner at Collins Brown Barkett, Chtd., specializing in real property and commercial litigation. Outside of law, Cal was deeply involved in quarter horse activities, hunting trips across the country, and later enjoyed boating with his wife Canda. He was actively engaged in numerous civic, church, and legal organizations, and cherished his roles as a father to Allison and Molly, and a beloved grandparent. Cal’s life was rooted in his Christian faith, which guided him as a leader at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, where he served faithfully as Senior Warden and Treasurer.
Terrell W. Patala | BSBA ’65 | 1943-2024 | Patala, of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed on March 16. Known for his subtle wit and insightful remarks, he enjoyed a fulfilling career spanning 25 years at Glaxo Smith-Kline before retiring. He and his wife Karen spent their post-retirement years alternating between summers in Fayetteville, New York, and winters in Boynton Beach, Florida. Terry, a University of Florida graduate in Business Administration, later earned an MBA from Syracuse University in 1975. He was a dedicated parishioner at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse, NY, and indulged his passions for reading, golfing, and attending live theater, including Broadway shows and local productions. Terry and Karen cherished travel adventures, including their memorable wedding on Kapalua Bay, Maui.
Joseph M. Mason Jr., Esq. | BSBA ’65, JD ’67 | 1937-2024 | Mason, of Brooksville, Florida, passed on February 25. He grew up on a farm and moved to Florida in 1957 while serving in the Navy. Joe later earned an accounting degree from the University of Florida and was known for his knack for finding deals. He enjoyed hobbies like crabbing, fishing, farming in Ona, scuba diving, and bringing home unique pets for his children, often sharing entertaining stories from his Navy and CPA days.
George C. Greene | BSBA ’67 | 2024 | Greene, of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, passed on May 21. Survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Mary, and their son Sam Greene and his wife Melissa of Tustin, California, George was born and raised in Panama City, Florida, to George “Sam” Greene and Ira Cotton Greene. After marrying Mary Morgan in 1966, he pursued a successful career in the textile industry following his graduation from the University of Florida. George retired in 2002 and relocated happily with Mary to Pine Knoll Shores, where he enjoyed the beach, fishing, and golf, alongside active volunteer roles with local organizations including the town of Pine Knoll Shores and Friends of Bogue Banks Library.
Ben B. Korbly | BAA ’68 | 1945-2024 | Korbly, of Estero, Florida, passed on May 28. He graduated from Robinson High School in 1963 and earned a BSBA in Accounting from the University of Florida in March 1968. He began his career at Price Waterhouse’s Tampa office before serving over 18 months in Vietnam after being drafted into the US Army in October 1968. Following his discharge in 1970, Ben resumed his career at Price Waterhouse, later PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), where he became a partner in 1984. He held leadership roles in various offices, including Nassau, Bahamas, Hartford, CT, Boston, MA, and New York, NY, ultimately retiring in 2006 as the National Risk Management Partner for Insurance, Managed Healthcare, and Actuarial Practices.
The Hon. Hale R. Stancil | BAA ’68 | 1946-2024 | Stancil, of Ocala, Florida, passed on March 21. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1968 and served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps from 1969 to 1971. After earning his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 1973, he began a distinguished legal career in Ocala, including serving as Assistant Public Defender and later as County and Circuit Court Judge. Hale retired in 2015 after 33 years on the bench, continuing as Senior Judge until his passing. He was actively involved in community organizations and enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, and making sugar cane syrup annually.
Patrick Cain | BSBA ’69 | 1947-2024 | Cain, of Lake Wales, Florida, passed on May 20. He attended Georgia Tech on a football scholarship and earned a finance degree from the University of Florida. He spent over 29 years in financial planning, having previously owned Cains Parts and Service and Cain Groves. Active in Lake Wales, he served as Mayor and City Commissioner, and contributed significantly to community organizations including the Lake Wales Citrus Growers Association, Lake Wales Care Center, and others. Pat also held leadership roles such as president of the Lake Wales YMCA and the High School Booster Club, and volunteered as an umpire for Lake Wales Little League while participating in the Kairos prison ministry.
Julian F. Culver Jr. | BSBA ’70 | 1940-2024 | Culver, of Midway, Kentucky, passed on May 19. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and the University of Florida, and began his career in Human Resources. Notably, he contributed to Walt Disney World during its early years in Orlando before joining Jerrico, Inc. He eventually relocated to Lexington, KY, where he retired after a successful career.
Daniel T. Findlan | BSBA ’75 | 2024 | Findlan, of Indian Trail, North Carolina, passed on March 29. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, the Findlan family relocated to Fort Lauderdale, FL before Dan’s birth. Dan graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School and the University of Florida with a degree in Business Administration. He spent 28 years with Eckerd Drug Company in corporate roles, later working for Family Dollar in Charlotte and Marsh Supermarkets in Indiana. Dan married Pat Murphy in 1975 and they have two children, Karis and Kyle, and one grandchild, Maeve. An avid sports enthusiast, Dan excelled in football and baseball in high school, later enjoying golf and church league softball. He cherished his roles in church communities, serving as an altar boy at St. Clements Catholic Church, a deacon at Skycrest Baptist Church in Clearwater, FL, and participating actively in Community Bible Study and other church activities.
Julie L. Almeida | BSBA ’83 | 1960-2024 | Almeida, of Miami, Florida, passed on March 9. Julie attended Miami Killian High School and graduated from the University of Florida. She dedicated 32 years to a career at the Dade County Property Appraisers office, forming cherished friendships. Survived by her husband Fred, sons Kevin and Michael Almeida, father Dr. Ronald Clark, stepmom Gloria Villa, siblings Tami Mulholland (Jim) and Mark Clark, step brothers Paul and Stephen McKinley, along with numerous beloved family members. She faced severe health challenges over the past eight years with remarkable strength, offering unwavering support and kindness to others despite her own struggles. Julie’s profound impact on those around her emphasized finding joy and meaning in life. Her memory will be deeply cherished.
Barbara J. Raskin | AA ’71, BSBA ’83 | 2024 | Raskin, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on May 31. Born in Savannah, Georgia, to Sigo and Rosa Abraham Raskin, she graduated with a BSBA in Accounting from the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business in 1973. She was a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, combating early career sexism by establishing her successful accounting firm and employing women in transition. BJ’s influence extended nationally as chair of the Florida Delegation to the White House Conference on Small Business in 1986, where she addressed Congress on issues facing women-owned and small businesses. She served on numerous boards, including the Miami-Dade County Commission on the Status of Women and the National Association of Women Business Owners. BJ married Joan Lyon on April 18, 2024, and while their time together was brief, their love was profound.
Kevin T. Feil | BSBA ’90 | 2024 | Feil, of Coconut Creek, Florida, passed on March 7. Kevin, originally from Chicago, moved to Florida at 14 and graduated from Spanish River High School before earning a business degree at the University of Florida. He returned to Chicago briefly to work in banking before moving back to Florida to join Ocean Cadillac, the family business, which he helped manage for over twenty years. After selling the dealership, Kevin focused on overseeing Ocean’s real estate operations. An avid golfer and tennis player, he also enjoyed painting and fitness. Kevin was a devoted sports enthusiast, particularly passionate about the Florida Panthers.
Eric R. Van Vorst | BSBA ’99 | 1976-2024 | Vorst, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away on May 26. He bravely battled Glioblastoma, seeking treatments worldwide from 2022 until his passing. Known for his unwavering hope and courageous spirit, Eric shared his journey to inspire others affected by Glioblastoma. He cherished life’s relationships and experiences, finding joy in family, boating, and travel. Eric founded The Dent Guys and thrived in finance, marrying his high school sweetheart Kristine and raising their children, Ava, Olivia, and William. His love for boating and dreams of exploring the ocean symbolized his zest for life, which he celebrated through music, delicious meals, and meaningful conversations.
Peter L. Crist | BSBA ’90, MBA ’99 | 1968-2024 | Crist, of California, Maryland, passed on May 18. Growing up in a military family, Pete eventually settled in Niceville, Florida, after several moves. He excelled academically and in band at Niceville High School before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Florida. Commissioned into the United States Navy, Pete served primarily with the P-3 Orion aircraft and later returned to UF for a Master’s Degree in Business Administration while teaching Navy ROTC. After retiring from active duty, he continued to serve in the Navy Reserves for over 26 years. Pete’s warm personality endeared him to everyone he met, and he was a dedicated fan of both Niceville High School and the University of Florida sports teams, passing on his love for the Gators to his nieces.
Mark W. Warner | BSBA ’18 | 1974-2024 | Warner, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on March 10. He was cherished his family deeply, survived by his mother, Sharon A. ‘Sam’ Warner, and sister, Ann M. Whelan. He was known for his quick wit, wisdom, and deep empathy, always generous with both his time and spirit. Educated at Vanderbilt University and the University of Florida, Marcus held a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Chemistry concentration and contributed to the University of Florida Department of Science. His love for animals and the ocean was infectious, finding joy in scuba diving and exploring shipwrecks like the Kittiwake. Marcus’ passion for music, gourmet cooking, and baseball enriched his life, leaving a legacy of kindness and inspiration that resonates profoundly.
