Hugh Whitman Harling Jr.

Hugh W. Harling, Jr., was born in Columbia, South Carolina on February 20, 1943. Hugh was the beloved son of Hugh W. Harling Sr., and Hester Harling (both deceased). Hugh is survived by his wife, Debbie (41 years), and his son Hugh W. Harling III, and daughter Kimberly Markovich, his brother Gene Harling, and sister, Joye Brown. He was a devoted grandfather to Kaelyn Harling, Connor Harling, Duncan Harling, Gabriella Markovich and Isabella Markovich. Hugh also leaves behind many nephews and nieces.

Hugh attended grade school and First Baptist Church in Gainesville Florida. He attended and graduated from Gainesville High School, Class of ’61. After high school graduation, Hugh enrolled at the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor of Science degree, Civil Engineering in April 1966. In 1972, he received his Master’s Degree in Business Administration at Florida State University in Cape Canaveral. Hugh worked in the field of engineering and management since 1966, and became a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Florida in 1970. Hugh had over 56 years of experience performing civil engineering including general management and implementation of surveying, land planning, civil and environmental engineering design, construction inspection services and client representation. Hugh served as Director of Utilities for the City of Titusville (1967), Sanford Utilities, Regional Manager of Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Mayor of the City of Altamonte Springs (1979-1980), Owner and President of Harling, Locklin & Associates, Inc., and Executive Director of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council from 2012-2022.

Hugh led his life motivated by four main priorities, “GOD, FAMILY, COUNTRY AND BUSINESS”; God being his number one priority, was present in all aspects of his life. He attended church regularly, but also contributed to the church financially with regular tithes and offerings and service to others including working with the 4-year-olds Sunday school and would set an alarm to get up to participate in an on-going prayer chain, driving others to doctor appointments or anything else that was needed.

Family was always a major part of Hugh’s life. He loved to spend time his grandkids with whom he was extremely proud. The grandkids enjoyed attending church, playing at the beach, snow skiing in Utah, and visiting the farm to ride horses with their Granddad.

Hugh brought his faith and honesty into his business and daily life-giving God the glory for all of his success. Hugh always had a bible in the conference room never afraid to share his faith. Hugh was a gentleman, and will fondly be remembered by anyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service and reception will be held at First Baptist Church Orlando on April 2,2025 at 11:00 AM in The Henry Chapel, 3000 S John Young Pkwy Orlando, FL 32805