Frank Polhill Dies At 88 - Former U.S. Sugar Exec

Frank Leonard Polhill died Saturday, May 23, 2015 at his home in Clewiston, Florida. He retired from U.S. Sugar Corp after 33 years.

Frank was born in Boyd, Florida on February 1, 1927 to Peck Smith and Elizabeth Holmes Polhill. He grew up on a small rural farm in Taylor County where he learned a strong work ethic and a love for agriculture. He was voted Most Athletic in his high school where he excelled in both football and basketball. He served proudly in the Navy aboard the aircraft carrier Philippine Sea during WWII before returning to marry his high school sweetheart in 1947.

Upon graduation from the University of Florida in 1952 with a B.S. degree in Agriculture he began his career as County Extension Agent in Flagler County. After serving a short stint in Sarasota County, he found his home of 58 years in Clewiston after accepting the Hendry County Extension Agent position in 1957.

He served in that capacity until 1960 before ultimately accepting a position in the agricultural department as field chemist for United States Sugar Corporation. He had a long and successful career with US Sugar, retiring after 33 years as Senior Vice President of Agriculture. He continued to work in the agricultural industry for over 20 years never departing from the farming life of which he so truly loved.

Over his career, he oversaw many changes and innovations in agriculture and served on many boards as ambassador for his community, company and the agricultural industry. He was the first Florida recipient of the National 4-H Award for the tireless work he accomplished, afforded him by the company he served, to promote the success of youth through agriculture.

He was a devoted husband, father and Gator fan. He organized The Hendry County Gator Boosters and served as board of Director for his region for The University of Florida Gator Boosters. He loved a Friday night at Cane Field and a Saturday afternoon in Gainesville in the fall. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and his ultimate pleasure of spending time with his grandkids. We will always think of his character, his loving spirit and his quick wit with a joke as we remember and honor his life. R.I.P. Papa.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years Virginia Grant Polhill, three children; Frank Smith Polhill (son) and Bebe Polhill, Elizabeth Polhill Williams (daughter) and Daniel Williams, John Thomas Polhill (son) and Emely Polhill. Seven grandchildren Kameron Williams DeMarco, Chase Williams, Caleb Polhill, Joshua Polhill, Grant Polhill, Myles Polhill and Ryland Polhill. He also had six great grand children, Harrison, Lawson, Corbin, Brooks, Monroe and Emerson. His sister Sarah Polhill Hilton of Sarasota, Florida preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church Of Clewiston, Clewiston with Rev. Bill Derryberry officiating. Entombment will be Friday, May 29, 2015 in Pineview Memorial Cemetery, Perry, FL. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 pm at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Clewiston, FL.