William Ronald "Ron" Jeffries

Lakeland – William Ronald "Ron" Jeffries passed away April 5, 2025, at the age of 87. Ron was born on September 19, 1937, in Lakeland, Florida, and was a descendant of a pioneering Polk County family. He graduated from Lakeland High School in 1956 and was a charter member of the Future Farmers of America and a district winner of the public speaking contest. After high school he enrolled in the University of Florida where he was president of the Collegiate FFA and a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.
Ron graduated in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in agriculture and accepted a position as vocational agriculture teacher at Zephyrhills High School. Under his leadership, the FFA Chapter grew in membership and within six years was one of the top five chapters in the state.
After eight years of achievement Ron moved to a broader field as he was hired by the Department of Education in Tallahassee, Florida. Ron worked his way up to State Administrator for Agriculture and State Advisor for Florida FFA.
He was awarded the Honorary State Farmer Degree in 1972 and was elected president of the Florida Vocational Association in 1988. In 1990 Ron received the FFA Blue and Gold Award and the Carl Proehl Distinguished Service Award for outstanding leadership in vocational, technical and adult education. In 1997 he was inducted into the Florida Vocational Association Hall of Fame.
In 1982 Ron decided to return home and took the job of Assistant Superintendent for Vocational and Adult Education in Polk County.
Ron retired in 1997 but stayed involved in agriculture by joining with family members to operate a small farm and citrus grove east of Lakeland settled by his grandfather, Hardin Combee.
Ron was a longtime member of Scott Lakeland Baptist Church where he served several years as a deacon.
Ron is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Dorothy Kelley Jeffries; a son, Richard Scott; and two daughters, Debbie (Barry) and Beth (Battle). Also four grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
Visitation will be Thurs. Apr. 10th from 10-11 am, followed by the service at 11 am at Scott Lake Baptist Church, 5811 Scott Lake Rd. Lakeland, FL 33813. Interment will be at Oak Hill Burial Park.