Horace Freeman Herndon

Horace Freeman Herndon, 95 of Lake Wales, Florida passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at his residence.
He was born April 29, 1919 in Capps, Alabama to the late A.C. and Tommie (Sessions) Herndon and moved to Polk County in 1923. He was a retired Secretary / Treasurer for Alcoma Citrus Company. Horace attended all 12 years of public school in Lake Wales, he graduated from Lake Wales High School in 1937, worked two years before going to college. He graduated from University of Florida in 1943 with a BS, BA degree in accounting. He worked two years in public accounting. He joined Updike Family citrus business in 1948, served as Treasurer and Secretary of Alcoma Companies, he also was a member of the Board of Directors, served on Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales as Elder, also served as Deacon, Treasurer and Clerk of Session. Founding director and served 30 years for Sun First National Bank of Polk County, served as Commissioner and Mayor of Village of Highland Park. Past President of taxpayers League of Polk County. Served as director of Farm Bureau of Polk County, served as interim Polk County Commissioner from May 1982 through November 1982, served as Trustee of Polk County General Hospital from November, 1982 through February 1984, served as member of Governing Board of Southwest Florida Water Management District from August 1985 through July 1988, served on Polk County Comprehensive Plan Committee in 1989 and 1990 and was Director of Farm credit Service of Central Florida February 29, 1991 to 1995. He served in the U.S. Army Field Artillery from 1943 to 1946, separated from service with rank of Captain. Horace Freeman Herndon known to family and friends as “H” was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He led within his community, but was a humble servant as well. His business and community achievements were many, but it was his love and devotion to his family which was his greatest pride. He had a spirit for adventure as he trekked to the Amazon in hopes of catching peacock bass. On many of his travels, his wife Jinny was by his side as well as his children and grandchildren. This past December he celebrated seventy years of marriage, a lifetime of love with his best friend and partner Jinny. He was so proud of that milestone that he was glowing as if it was the first day they met. His devotion to God was evident with the choices he made and the life that he lived. He will be missed tremendously by the ones he left behind, but his legacy and memories will continue to shape our lives. We love you so very much Grandaddy, MyDaddy.

He was preceded in death by his son, Phillip L. Herndon, brother, Sherrod L. Herndon and sister, Gwendolyn H. Burr.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years Virginia C. Herndon; daughters, Ann Adkinson and husband Bill of Lake Wales, Jane H. Goff and husband Ken of Lake Wales; daughter-n-law, Patricia S. Herndon of Winter Haven; 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, March 2, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Chad Reynolds officiating.
Interment will be private.

In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church 16 North 3rd Street Lake Wales, Florida 33853.