Alvin Ernest "Ernie" Straughn

STRAUGHN, ALVIN ERNEST \"ERNIE\", 80, ARCHITECT, LAKELAND - Alvin Ernest \"Ernie\" Straughn, age 80, passed away Saturday, August 24th, 2013 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, surrounded by family and closest friends, from heart failure. Born November 17, 1932 in Wilmington, NC, Mr. Straughn was a resident of Lakeland since 1960. He graduated with a Masters of Architecture degree from North Carolina State University and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Mr. Straughn was the founding partner of Straughn Trout Architects since 1960, when he moved to Lakeland from Wilmington, NC. His company boasts several notable buildings in Polk County, including South Lakeland branch of Magnify Credit Union; all but one of the buildings of Polk State College\'s Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses, including the new Chain of Lakes building; the Lakeland Public Library; McKay Archives Center at Florida Southern College; Polk Museum of Art; Family Worship Center on Main Street in Lakeland; and more than 100 schools throughout Central Florida. He was involved with the Citrus Center Kiwanis Club, and was one of the last remaining founding members from the late 1950\'s. He was loved by all that knew him. His loyalty to friends, kind heart, and sense of humor were some of his most notable characteristics. He is survived by his wife, Clara Straughn, whom he has been married to for more than 15 years; his children Alvin Ernest Straughn III (Winter Park) and Kim Straughn Mitchell (Clay) (Winter Park); grandchildren Massie Mitchell Wanzenberg (Chris) (Maitland), William Clay Mitchell III (Winter Park), and Alexander Ernest Straughn (Casselberry); greatgrandchildren Wright Mitchell Wanzenberg, Cole Brook Brookby Wanzenberg, and Lucy Joanna Wanzenberg. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 28, from 5pm to 7pm at the Heath Tribute Center. Funeral services will follow on Thursday, August 29 at 11am, at the Family Worship Center on Main Street in Lakeland. In lieu of flowers, donations to SPCA, 5850 Brannen Rd. South, Lakeland, FL 33813, are strongly encouraged. Service: 08/29/2013 Family Worship Center 1350 E. Main Street, Lakeland, FL Heath Tribute Center Visitation: 08/28/2013 Heath Tribute Center