Jerrell Shofner

1929 - 2017

Shofner, Jerrell , Professor Emeritus, passed away April 11, 2017. He was born in Haslet, TX on January 30, 1929 to Dora May Taylor and Harris Shofner. He came to Florida by way of the United States Air Force. He served in the Air Force from 1946 to 1960. He left to attend Florida State University, where he received his PH.D in history. After receiving his PH.D he taught at the University of Florida and Florida State University. In 1972 he was appointed professor and chair of the history department at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Shofner retired in 1990. He was also a past president of the Florida Historical Society and past editor of the Florida Historical Quarterly. A renowned Florida historian, he authored fifteen books, including "The City Beautiful" (1984). Mayor of the city of Orlando, Buddy Dyer, proclaimed May 20, 2016 as "Dr. Jerrell H. Shofner Day." In his honor, the Jerrell Shofner lecture series on Florida Culture and History, sponsored by the Florida Historical Quarterly, the University of Central Florida History Department and Phi Alpha Theta History Society is held annually at UCF. Jerrell also loved traveling and gardening. He is survived by the love of his life, Frances McDermott, four children Michele (Robert) Fudo, Charles Shofner (Pauline), Kellie McDermott Chadwick (Robert), and Kenneth Mark McDermott (Missy); two sisters, Carolyn Trechter and Neilmarie Casey, both of Tampa, FL. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 1pm at Baldwin Fairchild, 501 E. Mitchell Road, Oviedo with visitation beginning at noon. Interment will be at 2:30 pm at Glen Haven Memorial Park, Winter Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, or the charity of your choice.