Milton O. Bedingfield

Bedingfield, Milton O. of Tampa. Milt seldom slowed down. There was too much good to do. He shared 69 amazing years with his devoted and loving wife, Julie. They met in physics class at Hillsborough High School. She was the only girl in the class, and he wisely took the seat next to her. They’ve been side by side, making magic ever since. Milt was born in Tampa and grew up on Central Avenue in Seminole Heights. He was a pillar of Seminole Heights United Methodist Church. That church was a part of his family, and he served it well. When documentary filmmakers needed a resource to talk about Seminole Heights, they found Milt. He expected the meeting would take an hour or so, but they found him such a fountain of information that they kept him there all day, sharing story after story. Milt (and Julie) attended the University of Tampa, where he flourished on a music scholarship, playing the trumpet. His dance band, Rock n Reel with Milt Bedingfield, often performed at The Cuban Club. Most people look forward to retirement; Milt couldn’t even think about it. He joined Prudential in 1954 and later became a CLU and LUTCF. He loved his work as much as his clients loved him. He was all about helping people, and that resulted in an amazing 50-year career with Prudential, membership in the Tampa Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, president of the Florida Assn. of Life Underwriters, Trustee of the National Assn. of Life Underwriters, Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, recipient of the prestigious G. C. Sneed Award for Outstanding Service to the insurance industry and the Donald S. McNaughton Award for Community Service among many others. One of Milt’s greatest passions was the USF Suncoast Gerontology Center. He served as chairman of the Development Board for ten years. Milt has been itching to get back to “the office” ever since his first stroke. Thursday, he left for one more appointment, but this time he won’t be coming back. He can finally wrap his arms around Laurie and Chris. It’s been too long since he has had the opportunity to make them laugh. Preceding him in death were his parents, John Bedingfield and Sulu (Means) Bedingfield, his brothers, Douglas Bedingfield, and John Bedingfield, and two of his four children, Laura Bedingfield and Christopher Bedingfield. Milt leaves behind his beloved Julie and two children: Debbie Voiles (David), and Milton Bedingfield, Jr. (Terra), both of Tampa. He also leaves behind eight treasured grandchildren: Wendy, Ben, Zack, Chelsie, Natalie, Maggie, Adryanna, and Daniel. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Seminole Heights United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W. Bearss Avenue, Sunday, May 24th, 3-5 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Seminole Heights United Methodist Church, 6111 N. Central Avenue, on Tuesday, the 26th, at 6 p.m. A reception will follow at the church.