George E. "Cotton" Fletcher's Obituary
It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our father, George E. “Cotton” Fletcher. His journey began on January 13, 1931, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Newberry, Florida, where he attended the "Little Red Schoolhouse" before graduating from Gainesville High School. Continuing the legacy of their father, dad and Richard played an integral role in managing a vast array of family enterprises, including a 2,000-acre farm, the Newberry Fletcher Farm Equipment dealership, a cattle ranch, and a family-run sawmill in west Gainesville.
Dads commitment to service extended beyond agriculture. He honorably served in the US Navy and the Air Force, attending Officer Candidate School retiring as a Major from the Air Force Reserves. His leadership and dedication to service were evident in every aspect of his life, including his successful transition to property development and his role as president and CEO of the Fletcher Family of Companies. His ventures and numerous projects have left a lasting impact on Florida's landscape.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dad was deeply involved in community service. His significant roles included 53 years serving on the Alachua General Hospital Board, which later became Santa Fe Healthcare and included the founding of Haven Hospice in our community. His contributions to various boards and commissions, including the Florida Lottery Commission, the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and as a Paul Harris Fellow Rotary Member highlighted his commitment to community development and well-being.
Above all, Dad was devoted to his family, as he peacefully passed away, surrounded by loved ones, it's comforting to know that he is once again reunited with his pre-deceased wife, Gloria Fletcher. Their love story, spanning decades, serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and devotion.
He is survived by children, Cheryl Hartley (Robert), Cindy Thompson, Deborah Diamond and Blake Fletcher (Ashley); his sister-in-law, Mary Fletcher, son-in-law, Lester Thompson; 12 grandchildren, Matthew, Bryce, Andrew, Ross, Myles, Chelsea, Ryan, Bella, Reagan, Landon, Greyson, Brady; 6 great grandchildren, Brendan, Parker, Catherine, Emory, Claire, Ellie.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Williamson Fletcher, brother, Richard Fletcher, daughter, Caryn Lynn Fletcher, and great granddaughter, Maggie Hartley.
As we remember Dad, we celebrate a life dedicated to service, community, and family. His last days were spent in the very hospice organization he helped bring to our community, encapsulating a life well-lived and a community bettered by his presence.
A Celebration of Life with military honors will be held, Friday, March 8, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. The Family will receive friends Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea, 823 NW 143rd St., Newberry. For those who wish donations may be made to Haven Hospice, www.beyourhaven.org.
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