Philip Sheridan Beese IV

Philip Sheridan Beese, IV, 77, died peacefully surrounded by family on November 27, 2025 in St. Augustine, Florida. Phil was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Helen and Philip Sheridan Beese, III on January 30, 1948, and moved to Florida in 1965. He was in the first graduating class of Boca Raton High School, class of 1966.
Phil attended Florida Atlantic University while working full-time and supporting a young family. He began as a Winn Dixie bag boy at age 14 and by age 24, became the youngest Winn Dixie store manager at that time, moving to Jacksonville in 1978. In 1979, Phil, having an ambitious drive for success, ventured out on his own as a produce broker and started Southeast Farms, Inc. in Hastings, Fl. After years of hard work and dedication, Southeast Farms became a successful, respected business with values based on the integrity and honesty of Phil Beese. Phil retired in 2012 but many of the business colleagues and employees remained close friends until the end.
Phil met his devoted wife, Libby in the produce industry in 1994 and although they were competitors to start, they soon realized they had a great connection and began a loving relationship that lasted through the decades. Phil often wrote Libby poems from the heart which she cherishes every day. They made Palm Coast their home and enjoyed travelling the world often with their best friends, Phil's sister Betsy and husband, Ray.
Captain Phil had a life-long passion for boating from teaching his children and their friends to water ski on Saturday afternoons to captaining his own 43-foot Hatteras "Ace of Spuds" on many voyages with First Mate Libby along with many friends and family.
Phil lived with Parkinson's disease for almost 30 years, and still, he lived life to its fullest at every turn. His optimistic attitude and strong faith served him well over the years. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Phil is survived and missed dearly by his loving wife Elizabeth "Libby" of 28 years; his three children, Wendy Bruseski, Brian Beese (Julie), and Daniel Beese (Jessica); his five grandchildren, Connor, Rylee, Collin, Nathaniel and Laurel; his two sisters and their families, Alda Stephens (Mark) and Sallie Tedeschi (David); and his brother-in-law, Ray Benner. He also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss him including his beloved Southeast Farms family.
Phil was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Philip, his sister Betsy, and his brother Robert.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Hammock Community Church, 5299 North Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137. A Philabration of Life will follow at Hammock Grill by JT's, 5244 North Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137.
Flowers or, if you prefer, donations to the Shriners Children's Hospital would be greatly appreciated https://www.shrinerschildrens.org