James Edward Deloach

Businessman, civic leader, and loving husband, father, and grandfather, James Edward DeLoach, 88, passed away suddenly on Christmas Day 2023, following a morning of delivering gifts and preparing for his family's Christmas gathering at his and his wife's home.

Ed, as everyone knew him, was born on Nov. 23, 1935, in Great Falls, South Carolina, to James Dayton DeLoach and Pansy Orr DeLoach. He had a wonderful childhood and loved to tell stories about simpler times growing up in this small southern town where he enjoyed spending time with his three beloved uncles— war heroes and fun-loving mischief-makers who loved their young nephew, "Eddie." Ed lived in Great Falls until the 5th grade when his family moved to Tallahassee. He graduated from Leon High School in 1953, where he was a consummate athlete playing baseball and basketball.

Ed attended Florida State University, majored in Business Administration, and was a member of the Seminole baseball team. He played shortstop and second base and was close friends with teammate Dick Howser – for whom the baseball stadium is named. Ed was a proud member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He lived in FSU athletic housing where he was friends and suitemates with football player Burt "Buddy" Reynolds and former football coach and sportscaster Lee Corso. After college, he briefly played baseball in the minor leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates and fastpitch softball for the Clearwater Bombers.

Ed worked his entire life, starting in elementary school, where he had a paper route as his first job. As a teen, he sold peanuts for pennies at the capitol building in Tallahassee and held various other odd jobs. Because of this early exposure to work life, Ed exemplified diligence, tenacity, and unwavering commitment in his professional life as an adult, and he held management and leadership positions with multiple companies.

Ed started out his professional career as an Insurance Agent for Woodmen of the World and moved on to become a salesman for US Steel. From there, he worked in Prestressed Concrete for most of his career. Ed was the General Manager of Prestressed Group Northern Division at Florida Mining & Materials Corporation and eventually became the General Manager of Operations. He was General Manager of Southern Divisions for Southern Prestressed Inc., President of Universal Prestressed Concrete Inc. in Lakeland, and finished his career as Vice President of Coreslab Structures Inc. in Tampa. During this time, Ed served for six years as Chairman of the Transportation Committee for the Florida Prestressed Concrete Association, was Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, Chairman of FDOT-FPCA Liason Committee, served on the Board of Directors, and was also President of the Florida Prestressed Concrete Association.

Ed belonged to multiple civic organizations, as giving back to his community was a pillar of his life's philosophy. He was Vice President of Lakeland Kiwanis in 1983-84 and President of Lakeland Kiwanis in 1984-85. He served on fundraising campaigns for the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Central Florida, and the YMCA. He was on the Board of Directors for the Boys Club of America and served on the board of the Learning Resource Center, eventually becoming Vice President. He was a member of the inaugural class of Leadership Lakeland, a Trustee for the Polk Community College Foundation, and a board member of the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club. He was a Lone Palm Golf Club member at the time of his passing.

In May 1974, a friend set Ed up on a blind date with Mary Ann Albritton. The two were immediately inseparable, married in October of that same year, and remained a loving couple for over 49 years. The couple knitted together their children from their first marriages and added a daughter together to complete their family. Ed loved, doted on, was amused by, and incredibly proud of his wife, five children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Ed was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting with his brother Russ, and his lifelong passion for golf. One of his greatest joys was receiving the Johnnie Walker International Hole-In-One-Award for hitting a 157-yard hole-in-one at the 7th hole on the Imperial Lakes Golf Links. He spent most Saturdays on the golf course, won numerous Pro-Am Golf Tournaments, and continued playing into his eighties when he had to give up golf as macular degeneration eroded his eyesight.

Ed embodied what it meant to be a Christian – modest and humble, kind to everyone, helpful to those in need, caring to his many friends, and fiercely loving his family. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and served on the Administrative Board and numerous other church boards. He often reminisced on his time in the Disciple Bible Study at FUMC and treasured the relationships and bonds he formed during that time.

Ed is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; daughter, Stephanie DeLoach-Girard; daughter, Michelle Dias; son, Buddy DeLoach (Susan); daughter, Debbie McQueen (Bobby); grandchildren, Zoe, Zeke, Luke, Joshua, Dayton, Janette, Blake, Ryan, and many great-grandchildren, nephews, a great-niece, and great-nephew. Ed also leaves behind his brother Russell DeLoach (Nancy) and sister Diane Key (Bill). He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Kathy Swank, and his grandson, Tyler McQueen.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. The family will receive visitors in the church's Welcome Center following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida, 33801.