John T Lesley, Jr.

John T. Lesley, Jr. or John T. as he was known to friends and family passed from this life on April 16th, 2021. John T. was born in Haines City, Florida where his family had a long history in the cattle and citrus industry. John T.’s father was general manager of Haines City Citrus Growers Association and Seald Sweet Growers and later became one of the foremost leaders in the Florida citrus industry. When John T. was a young boy, he contracted polio. He spent the rest of his life with a disabled and painful leg but he walked with bravery, determination and without complaint. John’s family moved to Tampa when he was in elementary school. John T. grew up in Tampa and his family had deep roots in this city. John T.’s great great grandfather, John Thomas Lesley was the 12th mayor and sheriff of Tampa. John T. loved Tampa and was proud of his lineage of Florida pioneers.

John T. graduated from High School and attended the University of Florida where he made a number of life long friends. He was a loyal “Gator” and was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. After college John T. met and married the love of his life Diane (Dunn) Lesley. Their marriage produced two beautiful daughters, Kimberly and Elizabeth. John T. and Diane made their home in Tampa while he commuted to Winter Haven where he was President and General Manager of Winter Haven Citrus Growers

Association. He also was a member of the Winter Haven Rotary Club. At home in Tampa John T. was a member of Merrymakers Club, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, and the Tampa Yacht and Country Club. In spite of all John T.’s accomplishments he was a humble man who enjoyed nothing more than spending his weekends at his little country house on Hatchineha Road in Haines City.

John will be remembered for his love of his family, kindness, self- effacing humor and his unwavering loyalty to family and friends.

John T. was preceded in death by his Father, John T. Lesley Sr., his mother Louise (Norton) Lesley He is survived by his wife Diane (Dunn) Lesley, his daughter Kimberly Dunleavy and grandchildren Jack, Avery and Vivienne; his daughter Elizabeth Butler (Eric) and granddaughters Alexis and Olivia. He is also survived by his sisters, India Whedbee (Charles), Susan Chandlee (Jim), brother-in-law, Bob Dunn (Carol) and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, Thursday, April 22nd at 11:00 am.