John McWhorter Edmiston

Dr. John McWhorter Edmiston, age 90, of Plant City passed away Sunday, December 11, of natural causes. Dr. Edmiston was born on February 21, 1921 in Buckhannon, WV. He entered West Virginia Wesleyan College at 16 years of age and graduated with a degree in medicine from both University of West Virginia and Temple University in 1944. He served as a surgeon in the US Navy from 1944 - 46 and was later recalled to serve during the Korean Conflict from 1950 - 52. The Edmiston family moved to Plant City from Pensacola where Dr. Edmiston opened his practice as a General Surgeon in 1954 and retired in 1984.

The Edmiston family enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing, tennis and travel. Some of their fondest family memories took place at their cabin in the Ocala National Forest. Dr. Edmiston was a dedicated philanthropist to many important organizations and took great pride in the educational accomplishments of his grandchildren.

Dr. Edmiston was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew B. Edmiston and Nellie McWhorter Edmiston; his twin brother George; brothers: Andrew and Matthew; sister: Elizabeth.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Emilie Matthews Edmiston; sons: Dr. John R. Edmiston (Cecilia); Andrew B. Edmiston (Debbie), and Dr. Mark S. Edmiston (Elizabeth). He also leaves behind grandchildren: John Armando, Tampa; Marcos (Katie), Tampa; Emily, Atlanta; Thomas, James, and Clare: Oxford, England; Ashley, Atlanta, and Jimmy, Gaithersburg, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Edmiston's memory may be made either to the Bruton Memorial Library Memorial Book Program, 302 W. McClendon St., Plant City, FL or to Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org/) an international charity that provides cleft palate surgery to those in need, as well as providing training to doctors in the region.

A family memorial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Wells Memorial Funeral Home, Plant City, FL.