L. Ralph Wetherington, 87, of Vero Beach, FL (formerly of Winter Haven, FL) passed away on October 1, 2008 at his home in Vero Beach. He was born September 3, 1921 in Tifton, GA, was raised in the Winter Haven/Lake Alfred area and moved to Vero Beach in 1972.
Mr. Wetherington served in the Army Air Corps during WWII completing 32 combat missions over Japan (B-29), he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 3 Oakleaf Clusters and Crew Presidential Citation.
Ralph was an executive for Snively Goves, Inc./Cypress Gardens Citrus Products Inc. for 20 years, founder of Southernaire Fruit Company, Vice President of Florida Citrus Exposition, Executive Director of International Apple Associate, Charter member and Executive Director of Florida Fresh Citrus Shippers Association, President of Produce Packaging Association and Chairman of the New York Worlds Fair Exhibit Committee. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lake Region Yacht and Country Club, The Florida Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Mr. Wetherington was pre-deceased by his father, Samuel Ellie, mother, Nina Lamb, sister, Louise, brother, Curtis, brother, John Clayton and brother, Gilbert. He is survived by daughter Carol Novack (Mike) of Clearwater, FL, daughter Martha Myers (W. Parkinson Park) of Tampa, FL, grandson Jonathan Hughes, of Tampa, FL, grandson Matthew M. Myers (Edgeley) of Macon, GA, great-granddaughter Anna Burns Wiley Myers of Macon, GA, a sister Audrey Roberts, of Columbia, S.C. and a sister Jimmie Lee Kile, of Winter Haven, FL
Memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM. on Saturday 4, 2008 at the Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home, 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL with military honors provided by VFW Post 3918.
Memorial contributions may be made to VNA/Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Flowers are welcome.