Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Henry Rou Obituary
Henry Jennings Rou II passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022 after an extended illness. Jennings was born in Leesburg, Florida, the son of Henry Jennings Rou Sr. and Martha Albright Rou.
Jennings attended school in Tavares, Florida. After graduation he attended the University of Florida before enlisting in the US Air Force in his Freshman year. He served for over two years in England with the Strategic Air Command. Upon his return, he attended Florida Southern College and graduated with a Degree in Business and a Minor in Citrus. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and active in the Citrus Club, which would later become his life's work. He has been involved with Florida Southern College for many years and was chosen to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013.
In 1962, Jennings began his 50 plus year career in the Citrus Industry. He formed his company, H. Jennings Rou, Inc. in 1966, a full-service citrus business. He was well known for his quality fresh fruit, and his famous Rainbow brand topped the New York Auction for several years.
Jennings was a leader in the Citrus Industry, serving for 20 years as Director of Florida Orange Marketers, which was the grower arm of Minute Maid. He served as Chairman of the Board and Chairman Emeritus. During his tenure the organization expanded statewide.
Jennings was a Director of Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association for 27 years, serving as President of The Florida East Coast Travel Association, a subsidiary of FFVA.
He was a Director of Florida Citrus Packers and of the Seald Sweet Sales Cooperative, and was a member and President of Lake Orange Extension Advisory Committee. He held a seat on The Citrus Associates of the NY Cotton Exchange.
Although Jennings made many contributions to the Citrus Industry, his optimism, experience and leadership during the devastating freezes of the 1980s made a large impact on the industry.
Jennings joined the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis in 1960 and served as an Elder, Deacon and a member of the Chancel Choir for many years.
An avid golfer, he was an early patron of the Florida Citrus Open Golf Tournament and was President of Pine Meadows Country Club in Eustis.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann Huffstetler Rou; his daughter Jennifer (Mark) Woodbury, son Henry Jennings (Diane) Rou III, daughter Alison (Liz Tigelaar) Rou; his grandchildren, Abigail (Stewart) Roulston, Grace Woodbury, William Matthew Rou, and Wilder Henry Tigelaar-Rou; great grandson, Theodore Henry Roulston and his sister-in-law, Linda Rou. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Albright Rou, Sr. He has a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family is so thankful for his wonderful loving caregivers throughout his illness.
Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, 117 South Center Street, Eustis, Florida on Saturday, December 17th at 11:00am.
Memorial gifts can be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, 117 South Center Street, Eustis, Florida 32726 or to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Directors, Eustis. Condolences may be shared at HamlinHilbish.com
Jennings attended school in Tavares, Florida. After graduation he attended the University of Florida before enlisting in the US Air Force in his Freshman year. He served for over two years in England with the Strategic Air Command. Upon his return, he attended Florida Southern College and graduated with a Degree in Business and a Minor in Citrus. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and active in the Citrus Club, which would later become his life's work. He has been involved with Florida Southern College for many years and was chosen to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013.
In 1962, Jennings began his 50 plus year career in the Citrus Industry. He formed his company, H. Jennings Rou, Inc. in 1966, a full-service citrus business. He was well known for his quality fresh fruit, and his famous Rainbow brand topped the New York Auction for several years.
Jennings was a leader in the Citrus Industry, serving for 20 years as Director of Florida Orange Marketers, which was the grower arm of Minute Maid. He served as Chairman of the Board and Chairman Emeritus. During his tenure the organization expanded statewide.
Jennings was a Director of Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association for 27 years, serving as President of The Florida East Coast Travel Association, a subsidiary of FFVA.
He was a Director of Florida Citrus Packers and of the Seald Sweet Sales Cooperative, and was a member and President of Lake Orange Extension Advisory Committee. He held a seat on The Citrus Associates of the NY Cotton Exchange.
Although Jennings made many contributions to the Citrus Industry, his optimism, experience and leadership during the devastating freezes of the 1980s made a large impact on the industry.
Jennings joined the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis in 1960 and served as an Elder, Deacon and a member of the Chancel Choir for many years.
An avid golfer, he was an early patron of the Florida Citrus Open Golf Tournament and was President of Pine Meadows Country Club in Eustis.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann Huffstetler Rou; his daughter Jennifer (Mark) Woodbury, son Henry Jennings (Diane) Rou III, daughter Alison (Liz Tigelaar) Rou; his grandchildren, Abigail (Stewart) Roulston, Grace Woodbury, William Matthew Rou, and Wilder Henry Tigelaar-Rou; great grandson, Theodore Henry Roulston and his sister-in-law, Linda Rou. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Albright Rou, Sr. He has a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family is so thankful for his wonderful loving caregivers throughout his illness.
Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, 117 South Center Street, Eustis, Florida on Saturday, December 17th at 11:00am.
Memorial gifts can be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, 117 South Center Street, Eustis, Florida 32726 or to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Directors, Eustis. Condolences may be shared at HamlinHilbish.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Orlando Sentinel from Dec. 12 to Dec. 13, 2022.
Memories and Condolences
for Henry Rou
Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.
Make a Donation
in Henry Rou's name
Memorial Events
for Henry Rou
Funeral services provided by:
Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Directors326 East Orange Avenue, Eustis, FL 32726
How to support Henry's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Henry Rou's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
