George H. Austin's Obituary
George H. Austin, of Alva, FL, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026. George was born on December 6, 1936, to Horace and Lillian Reinbott Austin in the family’s home in Alva, FL. He was the oldest of three, with two younger sisters, Mary Ellen and Donna. He graduated from Alva High School in 1954, going from a class of eleven to a freshman class of almost three thousand at the University of Florida where he earned a degree in building construction. He began his career with CECO Steel Products Corporation in Atlanta while also serving eight years in the Army Reserve, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant.
Following the death of his father in 1966, George returned to Alva to continue the family citrus business. Through decades of hard work and leadership, he expanded the operation from approximately 100,000 boxes of citrus annually to nearly 2 million boxes by 1995.
A respected leader in Florida’s citrus industry, George helped found the Gulf Citrus Growers Association in 1986 and served three terms as president, remaining active in the organization for many years. He was appointed to the Florida Citrus Commission by Governor Lawton Chiles in 1993, serving two terms and chairing the Food Service Committee. In 2010, George was honored with induction into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame for his leadership and dedication to Florida agriculture.
George was also deeply involved in his community, serving on the Horizon Council, the Lee Memorial Hospital Board, the Children’s Hospital Board, and as longtime chairman of the Board of Trustees at First United Methodist Church in Fort Myers, where he was a member for more than 50 years. In addition, George served on the Alva Library and Museum Committee, dedicating his time to preserving and supporting the community he cherished.
In 1995, George sold his business to Oakley Groves but stayed on with them in a management position for ten more years, until his retirement in 2005.
George will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his wife of 45 years, Regina; daughter Amy (Joseph) Ursitti; sister Donna (Craig) Ludtke; grandchildren Casey, Baillie, Parker, Stephanie, and Alexander; as well as four great-grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Leslie, and his sister, Mary Ellen.
Though no formal services will be held, the family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time.
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