In Memoriam | September 2024
Clinton C. Bonner Jr. | BAA ’50 | 2024 | Bonner, of Deerfield Beach, Florida, passed in 2024. He received a Bachelor’s in Accounting in 1950 from the University of Florida.
John J. Flynn | BSBA ’58 | 2024 | Flynn, of Interlachen, Florida, passed in 2024. He received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1958 from the University of Florida.
Dwight A. Whigham | BSBA ’58, BLW ’61 | 1933-2024 | Whigham, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed on July 30. Born in Ocala, FL in 1933, he was a Korean War Army veteran who completed his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Florida. After moving to Fort Myers in 1961, he enjoyed a distinguished legal career, serving as a City Judge, City Attorney, and President of the Civil Service Commission. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, cherished time with his family above all else. Dwight is survived by his wife Sandra, son Michael, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and is preceded in death by his daughter Karen Britts.
Daniel E. Ralston | MS ’64 | 1937-2024 | Ralston, of Fruita, Colorado, passed on March 1 at HopeWest Hospice, with his wife Linda by his side. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Ed grew up in Miami, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1959, and served on the USS Jonas Ingram. After leaving the Navy, he earned an MBA from the University of Florida in 1964 and worked for various companies including Chemstrand and Monsanto. In his mid-30s, Ed embraced Christianity, dedicating his life to charitable work and spreading the teachings of Jesus.
Doreen M. Lewis | BA ’70 | 1949-2024 | Lewis, of Decatur, Georgia, passed on August 12. Born on January 4, 1949, in Pennsylvania, she lived most of her life in Florida and graduated from the University of Florida with both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degree. She moved to Atlanta in the early 1980s, where she became a travel agent and, alongside her late husband Bart B. Lewis, traveled extensively across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Known for her intelligence, quick wit, and love of equestrian sports and photography, she will be deeply missed by her extended family, friends, and travel clients, remembered for her adventurous spirit and caring nature.
Thomas J. Caldwell | AA ’71, BSBA ’73, JD ’76 | 2017 | Caldwell, of Plantation, Florida, passed on March 31. He received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1973 from the University of Florida.
John L. Sutton Jr. | BSBA ’72, JD ’74 | 2019 | Sutton, of Coconut Creek, Florida, passed on June 13. He received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1972 from the University of Florida.
Lee Sasser Jr. | BSBA ’72, JD ’74 | 2024 | Sasser, of Orlando, Florida, passed on August 13. He received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1972 from the University of Florida.
Lenis J. McClain Jr. | BAA ’75 | 1952-2024 | McClain, of Evansville, Indiana, passed on August 10. Born March 25, 1952, in Brooksville, Florida, he was the cherished son of Jay and Elsie McClain and the proud younger brother of Beverly. He grew up in Belleview, excelling academically and athletically at Lake Weir High School before earning degrees in Accounting from the University of Florida. A distinguished career at Credit Thrift/American General/AIG/SpringLeaf/One Main culminated in his role as Vice President and General Auditor. After retiring, he rekindled a high school romance with Lisa Kay, and they enjoyed two years of cherished memories together. Lenis was a devoted father to Trey and a proud grandfather to Alyssa and Morgan, leaving behind a legacy of faith, generosity, and enduring friendships.
Dr. John M. Pinkerton | Ph.D. ’79 | 2024 | Pinkerton, of Savannah, Georgia, passed on May 19. Born in Orange County, CA, and a Navy family member who graduated high school in Madrid, Spain, he was a devoted father, grandfather, and mentor. Preceded in death by his parents and son Ben, he is survived by his wife Katherine, son John Michael Jr., daughter-in-law Connie, grandchildren Charlotte, Hamish, and James, as well as daughter-in-law Karla and grandson Daniel. John served in the Marine Corps, was a decorated Vietnam veteran, and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Virginia Tech followed by a Ph.D. in finance from the University of Florida. He taught at Virginia Tech for 40 years, retiring in 2017 with the title SunTrust Professor Emeritus. John’s legacy is defined by his unwavering dedication to family, scholarship, and service, and he is deeply missed by all who knew him.
Beth A. Winer | MBA ’89 | 2024 | Winer, of Northbrook, Illinois, passed on July 24. Born in Miami, Florida, she was the cherished wife of Marc and devoted mother to Hailey and Lindsey, as well as a loving dog mom to Riley and Penny. She was a caring sister to Scott and Stacy, and a dedicated daughter to Sandi and the late Bernie Pestcoe. A graduate of Washington University in Saint Louis and the University of Florida, Beth earned her MBA and had a fulfilling career as a manager at Icon Clinical Research. Passionate about cooking, arts and crafts, and above all, her family, Beth’s love and dedication were central to her life.
Victor H. Hathuc | BSBA ’06 | 1984-2024 | Hathuc, of Manchester, Missouri, passed on July 15. Born June 5, 1984, in St. Louis, he was the cherished son of Hoang and Marie Hathuc, beloved brother of Vivian Hathuc, and a dear nephew and cousin to many. After moving to Bradenton, Florida in 1990, he graduated from the University of Florida in 2006 and later became a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Victor was passionate about traveling, board games, photography, and history, known for his humor, thoughtfulness, and vibrant personality. Engaged to Mary Husain, who passed away in 2019, Victor’s memory endures through the joy and laughter he brought to those around him.
