In Memoriam | June 2024
Col. Gordon H. Fair | BSBA ‘56 | 1934-2024 | Fair, of Evans, Georgia, passed on May 3. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, receiving honors from the University of Florida in 1956, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Throughout his 28-year military career, he served in various roles and locations, including Germany and Vietnam, and earned numerous medals and decorations. After retiring in 1985, he led a Junior Air Force ROTC unit in Jacksonville, Florida, for 10 years. Fair is survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty Ann, two sons, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Dexter S. Odin | BSBA ‘56 | 1934-2024 | Odin, of McLean, Virginia, passed on March 5. As known by his family and friends, “Buddy” grew up by the sea where he gained a passion for sailing that took him across the Atlantic and around Cape Horn. After graduating from the University of Florida, he served in the military before continuing his education at George Washington University. He began a career in law, working as the first-ever Fairfax County Attorney and in private practices for 50 years, was named Lawyer of the Year in municipal law by The Best Lawyers in America in 2012, 2015 and 2021 and was inducted into the Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame.
Robert N. Blackford | BSBA ’60 | 1937-2024 | Blackford, of Orlando, Florida, passed on April 19. After graduating from William R. Boone High School in 1955, he served in the U.S. Army and received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree at the University of Florida. He married Margaret Ann Williams and worked for Atlantic Steel while earning a law degree from Emory University at night. Returning to Orlando, he practiced civil law for 35 years at firms including MacGuire, Voorhis, Wells and Holland & Knight. He is survived by his sons, William and John, and their families.
Angel Farfante | BSBA ’62 | 1940-2024 | Farfante, of Tampa, Florida, passed on March 5. After earning his degree from the University of Florida, he led a successful career in the phosphate shipping and export industry. Outside of work, he was active in the Traffic and Propeller Clubs of Tampa, where he served on the board of directors and as president. With his wife, Norma, he was also a notable dancer, and together they won a dancing competition while on their honeymoon in Miami Beach.
Richard L. Butler | BSBA ’63 | 1940-2024 | Butler, of Ocoee, Florida, passed on April 6. He graduated from Bexley High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Florida and a graduate degree from Rollins College. He married Ida Marie on June 15, 1963, and had a long career in aerospace, retiring from Martin Marietta, now Lockheed Martin. A devout member of Park Lake Presbyterian Church, Richard enjoyed attending services, spending time with family, playing golf and cheering for the Florida Gators. He is survived by his wife, son and grandchildren.
Denny B. Dennison | BSAc ’69 | 1947-2024 | Dennison, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed on May 9. His first career was raising livestock alongside his sisters before attending the University of Florida, where he specialized in agricultural economics. After graduating, he passed the CPA exam and began a career in accounting, eventually opening his own accounting firm. He found opportunities to serve his community outside of work, volunteering as a bookkeeper from the St. Louis Catholic Foundation and as a soccer coach.
Irving R. Stockdale | BSBA ’70 | 1944-2024 | Stockdale, of St. Augustine, Florida, passed on March 13. Upon graduating with his degree from the University of Florida, he launched a career with the Eastman Kodak Company, where he stayed until retirement. After his career, he settled in St. Augustine, where he spent time with his family, cheering the Florida Gators, fishing, boating and traveling.
Emory G. Legler | AA ’73, BSBA ’74 | 2021 | Legler, of High Springs, Florida, passed on October 11. He received an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Florida and subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree.
Marilyn I. Bryant | BSBA ’74 | 2021 | Bryant, of Alachua, Florida, passed on December 1. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida in 1974.
Thomas W. Bastien | BSAc ’80 | 1956-2024 | Bastien, of Port Richey, Florida, passed on March 17. He graduated with honors from the University of Florida, and enjoyed fishing, golfing and spending time with his family and friends.
Moises Melendez | AA ’83, BSAc ’85 | 2022 | Melendez, of Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida, passed on April 18. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Florida, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. He then attended Harvard Law School and subsequently established his own law firm.
