George Walter Partin Jr.

The family moved to Tallahassee when he was six, and then to Winter Haven in December 1943, when he was in the 9th grade. He was on the boys’ basketball team and graduated in 1947. He attended the University of Florida and later transferred to FSU. While there, he was president of Pi Kappa Alpha and was tapped for the Gold Key Honorary Society before graduating in 1951.

He worked briefly for Firestone before returning to Winter Haven in 1952 to join his father in the oil business, which was Gulf Oil at the time. They later changed to Phillips 66 and Partin Oil Co. They owned many gas stations, 66 Car Wash on 6th Street, and convenience stores. He was very active in the Florida Petroleum Association, holding many offices. Partin Oil closed after 49 years.

George was active in youth and civic affairs in the community. He was a past president of the Winter Haven Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. He also served as president of the Winter Haven Kiwanis Club and was named “Young Man of the Year” for the City of Winter Haven in 1963. George coached Little League baseball and sponsored a team for many years. He was chairman of the first Little League Baseball Board and chairman of the first Dixie Youth Baseball World Series held in Winter Haven. He was also involved in boys’ basketball and would travel with the team to out-of-town games. He served as president of the Winter Haven High School Boosters Association. Later, he and his wife Pat followed the girls’ basketball team. George was an avid FSU booster and served as president of the Polk County Chapter of the FSU Alumni Association. He also assisted in recruiting athletes for FSU. He served as chairman of the City of Winter Haven Board of Adjustments and the Polk County Board. In 1986, he and his wife Pat established Partin’s Collectables in Spring Lake Square, operating it until his retirement in 2003.

He loved traveling across the U.S. and abroad, staying at bed and breakfasts, going on cruises, including river cruises, and visiting Spain, Portugal, England, and Bermuda. He enjoyed riding mopeds, loving life, and living it to the fullest.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Joyce. He is survived by his wife, Pat O’Dell Partin; son James (Ann) grandson Randall; daughters Barbara and Nancy; stepson Donovan Smith; and step-grandchildren Stone and Alexis. The family would like to thank Good Shepherd Hospice House in Auburndale for their love and support.

Special thanks to the nurses Rashay and Teresa. Private family services will be held at a later date at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home.