Wallace Naylor Obituary

Wallace " Billy" Naylor

December 10, 2013

Wallace "Billy" Naylor, 93, passed away December 10, 2013. Son of William and Bertha Naylor. He is survived by his sister Mildred Sherrard, 95, son Wallace "Wally" Naylor, Jr.; daughter Sylvia Carlson, daughter-in-law Pamela Pritchett Naylor. Grandchildren: Wallace Naylor, III, Angela Naylor, John Naylor, James Jayden Loose Naylor, David W. Carlson, Misty Carlson, Shannon Carlson Lester, William David Naylor, Jr. , Christopher Naylor, Ashby Naylor; Great Grandchildren: Victoria Naylor, Caleb James Loose, Taylor Carlson, Scott Lester, Blake Lester. He was born on April 1, 1920 in Cairo, GA and moved to Ft. Myers in 1922. In 1931 he witnessed Thomas Edison cut the ribbon to the Edison Bridge on Fowler St. and when he was 13 he drove the car for Doctor Johnson on his rounds. He completed High School, then joined the Navy in 1940. He and his wife Bea first built and owned a drive-in eatery called "The Sky Lark" on old North 41. They later sold that and from 1950-1960 owned the Snack Drive-in downtown on Heitman St. 1960-1970 they owned the "Bee Hive", a very popular teen dance club and home base for their sons' very successful band THE BEES. From 1954-1986 they owned Naylor Flower Farm and grew packed and shipped Gladioli. He was a member of Florida Flower Association and was the exalted ruler of the Elks Club. He was very knowledgeable about the history of Ft. Myers and so interesting to talk to because he knew almost everyone back then. I don't know of anyone who ever had one bad word to say about him. He was a very gentle, kind and caring person and will be greatly missed by those who knew him. Memorial services will be held at 6:30 pm on Tuesday December 17, 2013 at the First Christian Church, 2061 McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL.

Family and friends may sign the guest register by visiting www.dignifiedcremations.com.

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Published by The News-Press on Dec. 13, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Wallace Naylor

6 Entries

Patti Wight Robertson

December 15, 2013

From the Wight family to all of the Naylor family, our deepest condolences. My parents were good friends with Billy and Bea and I know Billy will be missed.

Anne and donn Peters

December 15, 2013

My prayers go out to all the Nayylor family members. Mr. Naylor was such a kind man with always a very sweet smile on his face. He was a wonderful grandfather to my nephews David and Chris Naylor and neice ashby Naylor. He will be missed.

Ray Steen

December 15, 2013

Mr. Naylor was a big part of my high school experience as a member of the Bees. I have great high school memories of playing in the Bees. Mr. and Mrs Naylor spent many weekends traveling around Florida with us transporting the equipment and trying to keep us out of trouble. Thank you Mr. Naylor for all you did.

Angela

December 13, 2013

I was very blessed to call this dear man my Grandad. He was one of a kind. Knowing he had a long and very good life doesn't make his passing any easier. It's a huge loss to all of us who loved him. He was kind, sweet, generous, thoughtful, extremely loyal to his friends and family, a hard worker, an early riser who always had something to do for the day, an avid lottery player (even hitting it twice), a loyal husband to his wife he adored for 65 years -until her passing. He would get to class early and save her a chair when they were in high school together- that's the kind of man he was (back then, he could go to school barefoot). He never had one enemy in his life. He was too nice to ever hold a grudge. However, he was known to say "I hate a thief". He was a father figure and a wonderful role model to many. He was an amazing singer. In more recent years, he thoroughly enjoyed the attention and comments he received from his Youtube videos. He made a few online fans with his Bing Crosby style crooning. When he was stationed in Norfolk, VA he sang for Herbie Fields big band. Now he's in Heaven crooning with the Angels.. I love you Grandad.