Ed Swindle
Ed Swindle, 93, of Dover, Fla., passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. Ed is survived by the love of his life Myrtle Lou Swindle, whom he was married to for 73 years. He is also survived by sons Larry (Debbie) Swindle of Lake Wales/Plant City and Rodney Swindle of Marianna. Grandchildren include Stephanie Conrad (Jason), Jonathan Swindle, Alysha Edenfield (Nick), Kimberly Cooksey (Stewart). His greatest joy were his great-grandchildren Anna Conrad, Madilyn Worten (Andrew), Shalee Conrad, Ava Swindle, Tucker Conrad, Gauge Edenfield, Alli Jo Swindle, Timberlynn Barber, and Aubrey Edenfield.
Ed was strongly rooted in his faith and lived his life to exemplify his love of Jesus. He was an active member at First Baptist Church of Dover, where he has served as a deacon, Sunday school director and teacher. He also worked as a part of various committees at the church, helped start the Dover Rod Run, and was always the first to lend a hand when growth was needing to be addressed.
Ed was the epitome of hard-work, dedication and tenacity. These traits were developed and grew at an early age. He is a proud veteran of the Marine Corps, serving in the Korean War. He loved his country and was committed to doing his part to make sure things were left better for the next generation.
Ed graduated from Plant City High School. He held several positions – including apprentice – at an insulation company in Tampa. He eventually purchased the company, and it evolved into ESI Group, an industrial insulation, scaffolding, and sheet metal contractor whose primary customer was power- generating facilities in Florida and the Southeast. Ed was committed to being actively involved in various trade associations, serving in a variety of leadership positions and earning numerous awards for that service.
Ed was a lifelong Agriculturalist. He was involved in agriculture in one way or another since his family moved to Hillsborough County from Davenport in 1932. His father grew fruit and vegetables and handed down a love of farming to his son. Throughout his life Ed has owned and operated numerous acres of tomatoes, strawberries, orange trees and timber, in Hillsborough, Jackson and Calhoun Counties. He was an active part in management and operations, even when he went to work in the insulation field. Ed also was an avid outdoorsman, sharing his love of hunting, fishing and conservation with his family. This legacy lives on today through his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Over the years Ed has worked hard to support various causes – youth involved in agriculture, education, the local hospitals in Marianna and Plant City, the Florida Strawberry Festival, Warner University, the Florida FFA Organization and Foundation, the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office and more. Ed has been honored and recognized for his contributions to his community in a variety of ways. In 2010, he received both the Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s Good Egg Award and the Citizen of the Year Award. Farm Credit of Central Florida honored Ed with the Support of Youth and Agriculture Award in 2012, and the Hillsborough County Fair awarded his family with the Farm Family of the Year in 2012. Ed received the Honorary State FFA Degree in 2010 for his contribution to Florida agriculture and FFA. He was inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame in 2013. Ed’s dedication to giving back to his community will allow his legacy to live on forever. Arrangements to honor the life of Mr. Ed Swindle will be: Visitation – Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, from 6 to 8 p. m. at First Baptist Church of Dover. Services – Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Dover. Committal to follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Raymond Browning Hill, Jr.
Raymond Browning Hill, Jr., 85, of Bradenton, Fla., born on June 10, 1938, in Live Oak, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Feb. 3, 2024.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
MaryAnn McDonald Middlebrooks
MaryAnn McDonald Middlebrooks, of Plant City, Fla., went on to her heavenly home on Feb. 3, 2024.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Elvira “Vera” Medrano
Elvira “Vera” Medrano of Plant City, Fla., entered her Heavenly home on Jan. 29, 2024.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Gail Carroll Boyce
Gail Carroll Boyce, 83 of Lithia, Fla., went to be with Jesus Feb. 2, 2024, born Dec., 1940 in Addison, Alabama.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Rodney “Rocky” Coile
Rodney “Rocky” Coile, 76, of Lithia, Fla., born on Oct. 19, 1947, in Miami, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Jan. 27, 2024.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Phillip “Daniel” Segrest
Phillip “Daniel” Segrest, 31, of Mulberry, Fla., born on Sept. 9, 1992, in Brandon, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Jan. 26, 2024.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Carol Emaline Henn
Carol Emaline Henn, 89, of Plant City, Fla., born on Feb. 2, 1934, in Queens, NY, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 30, 2024.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
J.J. Eckertson
J.J. Eckertson, 40, of Lithia, Fla., born on Feb. 21, 1983, in Tampa, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Jan. 27, 2024.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Larry J. Tindel
Larry J. Tindel, 74, of Plant City, Fla., born on Nov. 14, 1949, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 1, 2024.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Linda Williams Bailey
Linda Williams Bailey, 85, of Lithia, Fla., born on Jan. 22, 1939, in Pelham, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 1, 2024.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Sylvia J. Hill
Sylvia J. Hill 81, resident of Hillsborough County, FL exited this world on Dec. 19, 2023. No Services. Sylvia was predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Elenor Jones; sisters, Wilma and Linda; granddaughter, Carla; husband, Woody; son, Clinton. Still living sister, Gerry; daughters, Sheree (Rusty), Stacey (Bobby); grandchildren, Ryan, Kaylen (KayLeigh), Tyler, Anthony, C.J.; great-grandchildren, Leighlen, Ruby, Markus and Milo.
To honor moms love for dogs, we would love for you to donate to your favorite animal shelter.
Betty Jean Parrish
Betty Jean Parrish, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2024, at the age of 93, in Brandon, Fla. Born on Oct. 5, 1930, in Ybor City, Fla., Betty’s life was a testament to the power of selflessness and the joy of giving. Services will be held privately by the family.
Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Cecil Michael Layton
Cecil Michael Layton, a cherished soul known for his adventurous spirit and selfless love, passed away peacefully on Feb. 1, 2024, in his hometown of Plant City, Fla. Friends and family will be received Feb. 8, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. A Memorial Service will follow at 11 a.m.
Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Zona D Wagoner
Zona D Wagoner, age 64 entered into rest on Jan. 30, 2024. Zona was born Dec. 19, 1959.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Wagoner family.
Darlene A Wainoris
Darlene A Wainoris, age 78, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Jan. 27, 2024. Darlene was born on May 5, 1945.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Wainoris family.
Raymond Day
Raymond Day, age 96, of Thonotosassa, Fla., passed away on Jan. 28, 2024. Raymond was born on Dec. 9, 1927.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Day family.