Carl Bowie Loop Jr.

Carl Bowie Loop, Jr passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 11, 2025. Born in Jacksonville, Fl. on March 10,1928 Carl was the son of Carl and Erma Whitten Loop. A graduate of Andrew Jackson High School, he went on to graduate from the University of Florida earning his Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture. In 1949 equipped with his new degree, a borrowed truck and one small greenhouse, Carl established Loop’s Nursery and Greenhouses, a nursery that grew to become one of the largest wholesale nurseries in the country.

Throughout his career Carl has been an ardent and effective ambassador for agriculture at home and globally. From 1971-1975 he was president of the Duval County Farm Bureau. He was also actively involved in the Northeast Florida Nurseryman’s Association, Director and charter member of the Florida Nurseryman and Growers Association, Director and charter member of the Florida Foliage Association, chairman of the Jacksonville-Duval Agricultural Council, and President of The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair.

From 1983-2006 he served agriculture as president of Florida Farm Bureau Federation and its affiliated corporations; Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Group, Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company. Under his leadership these organizations grew and prospered making Florida Farm Bureau Federation the pre-eminent voice of agriculture in the state. It was also at this time that he served as Director and then Vice President of American Farm Bureau.

On the national and international level his influence was demonstrated through his participation and appointments serving trade development and trade policy issues. He served as the first chair of the American Farm Bureau International Trade Advisory Committee and led numerous foreign trade missions. He was appointed by three former Presidents to represent agricultural interests. He was appointed by President Reagan to the USDA Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee and was reappointed by former President George H.W. Bush and President Clinton. President Clinton also appointed him to the USDA/USTR Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee and was reappointed by President George W. Bush. In 1987 he served on the BARD Study in Israel and he was an observer at the 1988 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade negotiations.

In support of his alma mater, he served three times as a member of the search committee to select a vice president of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science. He also served on UF’s advisory boards for the School of Forestry, Florida Leadership Program and International Studies Program. He was recognized with the University of Florida Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2003 for his lifetime of service in the field of agriculture.

Over his lifetime, he has been recognized with many honors and awards. He was inducted as a member of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame, the Florida Farmer of the Year Award from Progressive Farmer, the first recipient of the Jacksonville Mayor’s Ag Leadership Award, and the Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Other awards and recognitions include induction into the 4-H Meritorious Service Award, Future Farmers of America Appreciation, Northeast Florida Hall of Fame, and the Lee & Mimmi Adams Environmental Award.

He is predeceased by his devoted wife of 59 years, Mary Ruth Forbes Loop, a sister, Patricia Gilmore, and a son-in-law, Marvin Searle. He is survived by his three children; Carol Searle, David Loop (Dee), and Jane Pomar (Gil), and 8 grandchildren: Lieutenant Colonel Stuart (MacKenzie), Carl Spencer Searle, Leighton Miller (Lofton), Elizabeth Loop, Mariah Gajewski (Alex), Gil Pomar IV, David Pomar, Anne Arden Majors (Noah), and 2 Great grandchildren, Kinsley Marie Searle and Alexander Wilson Gajewski.

The family would like to thank his wonderful caregivers, Elreath Anderson and Guilene Lector for their devotion and support.

A distinguished and respected gentleman, Carl leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and fairness that will influence his family for generations. His family and friends cherish many wonderful memories.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Carl Loop Legislative Internship Endowment. https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/013401-carl-loop-legislative-internship-endowment/ or the North Florida School of Special Education https://www.northfloridaschool.org/giving/donate-today/.

A service will be held Thursday, June 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church (4001 Hendricks Avenue).