Alvin C. Futch, 87 years old born in Plant City, Florida in 1931, went to be with our Lord on April 16th 2019. He was a 5th generation Plant City native who grew up in an agricultural family who loved the land. With his agricultural background it was natural for him to become a member of the Future Farmers of America at a young age where he excelled and was elected by his peers to hold several club offices including President. Upon graduation, he was then elected to State Secretary. He also earned the highest achievement awards bestowed, both the State and American Farmers degrees.
He graduated Plant City High School in 1949 and two years later he entered the U.S. Army where he became a Radio school instructor and served in Frankfurt, Germany.
Alvin bought a portable sawmill that he built up over the next 20 years into one of the largest sawmills in Florida. Futch Milling Company employed many dear family and friends. He married Shirley Brown and became the father of four children.
Alvin had an entrepreneurial spirit and was focused on the 3 C’s, cattle citrus and construction. He was a man of many talents who was never afraid of getting his hands dirty, wearing a suit to meet with bankers or politicians. He actively served his community serving on various boards e.g., Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, Plant City Rotary, Elks Club and the Mt. Enon Cemetery trustees.
Of the many awards he received during his lifetime, he was most proud of being named Agriculturist of the year by the Plant City Chamber, Farm Family of the Year in Hillsborough County and the Plant City Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award. Alvin always strived to live by the Rotary motto and posted it proudly on in his office, “He profits most who serves the Best”. He was an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Plant City.
Alvin’s love for the outdoors was always drawing him to the hunting woods of Haw Creek, Texas and Nebraska to find a trophy whitetail buck or a spring gobbler. He especially loved being in the woods with his sons, grandsons, nephews and pards. He had also had a passion for cooking for the boys and you could always count on his famous tomato gravy and rice, cornbread, swamp cabbage, fried venison or turkey breast for a fine meal and fellowship around the hunting camp.
Alvin also had a gift of storytelling as he always had a story about days gone by that related to his many escapades in life. He incorporated his cousin into his dream of documenting the past, through two best sellers amongst the Florida “Cracker” community selling over 5,000 copies nationwide of “ Wild and Wooly” and “Sawmill”.
Alvin was predeceased by his siblings, William R. Futch, Raymond C. Futch, Carol L. Crawford, and his grandson J. Scott Futch.
He is survived by his wife Mary Jo of 38 years, his children Carson Futch (Toni), Janet Futch, Morris Futch, Wayne Futch (Denise). He also leaves his grandchildren, Drew, Alexandra, Drake, Brice, Darrell, Clark, Mary Clare, Connor, Anna Grace, Phillip, Katelynn.
He was also blessed with 8 great grandchildren. He was also loved by a multitude of extended family and friends. Alvin will be sorely missed by all.
The family has decided to create a scholarship fund for local students as it was one of our father’s pleasures in life to help and encourage young people to achieve a college degree especially in agriculture.
In Lieu of Flowers please donate to the:
Alvin Futch Scholarship Fund Inc.
Mailing Address is
Harman & Peaslee, CPA
303 Warnell St.
Plant City, Florida, 33563
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