Richard Carson "Dick" Ackert's Obituary
Richard Carson “Dick” Ackert passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, at
the Lodge at Cypress Cove in Fort Myers, Florida. He was 84 years old.
Born in Winamac, Indiana on November 14, 1941 and was the son of the
late Carson and Rachael (Munson) Ackert.
At the age of five, he moved with his mother to Fort Myers, a community
that would remain close to his heart throughout his life. He later lived in
Birmingham, Alabama, St. Petersburg, Fl, and Sylva, North Carolina before
returning to Fort Myers, where he spent the past 39 years.
A proud graduate of Fort Myers High School, Class of ‘ 59. Dick played all
four years on the football team and ran track. He demonstrated the passion
for teamwork and community involvement into his future personal and
professional endeavors.
Dick built a distinguished career in banking and business. He began his
career at the First National Bank of Fort Myers, laying the groundwork for
a lifetime of professional success. His passion was always to help others in
the financial realm and in the community, particularly anything involving
education or opportunities for children or the underprivileged to improve
their lives. He had seven older men that mentored him in his career and he
never forgot the value of helping others.
Alongside his beloved wife, Sue, he wanted to take time out from banking
and they owned and operated the Dick and Sue Ackert’s “Hickory
Smokehouse” in Sylva, North Carolina. Living in a small town in the
mountains was a wonderful adventure.
In 2004, he retired as Chairman, President, and CEO of the area SouthTrust
Bank, where he earned widespread respect for his integrity, dedication and
strong leadership.
Deeply committed to his community, Mr. Ackert served on numerous
boards as result of his desire to always help others in need. The Lee County
School Foundation, Founding Member for the Greater Fort. Myers
Chamber, AMI of Florida, the Southwest Florida Marine Institute, Florida
Bankers Association, Hope Hospice, Alico Board, and the FGCU
Foundation Board and the Financing Corporation.
His support of FGCU dates back to before the Tenth University was even
approved and was supposed to be a distance learning university. He felt
strongly about having student housing on the campus and had the know
how to do it. He has been called the Father of Student Housing and was
honored to have a building named after him, The Richard C. Ackert
Community Center.
As well, as a recipient of an Honorary Bachelor’s Degree from FGCU.
He and Sue always enjoyed attending the Basketball games for both the
Men and Women teams and they had season tickets.
Dick found great joy in participating in fishing tournaments at Cabbage
Key and Tween Waters. He loved spending time on the water with family
and friends in Southwest Florida.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Sue Ackert; his daughters, Kim
Kalishek of Lakeland, Florida; Sheri Crosson, and her partner, (Dan
Pemberton), of St. Petersburg, Florida; and Shannan Friedel, (Randy) of
Punta Gorda, Florida.
He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Garin Crosson, Ryan Crosson,
Dylan Shipley, Alicia Shipley Bryan (Buddy); Jordan Shipley Hammond
(Tony); Drew Friedel; Halle Friedel and three great grandchildren.
Dick will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather,
businessman, mentor, and friend. His kindness, generosity, and
unwavering commitment to his family and community left a lasting
impression on all who knew him. His life was marked by strong character,
deep relationships, and a genuine dedication to giving back.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends,
and by all those whose lives he touched.
The Celebration of Life will be held at McGregor Baptist Church, 3750
Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33966 on Friday, June 26 2026 at
11:00 AM., in the Hope Building. The Interment will be private. A reception
will follow after the service.
For those who are unable to attend in person you may join the service via
live stream at https://vimeo.com/event/5990321/32089d6723
In lieu of flowers, if you want to honor Dick’s life in some way, please
consider the McGregor Baptist Dementia Ministry for Caregivers, 3750
Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, Fl 33966 or Hope Hospice,
https://hopehospice.org or a charity of your choice
What’s your fondest memory of Richard Carson "Dick"?
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