Harry H. Root Jr.

ROOT, Harry H. Jr., 94, departed this life Friday, May 1, 2009, leaving behind a loving family and host of friends who will miss his winning smile and exemplary character. He was a true gentleman. Born February 23, 1915, in Plant City, Fla., Harry attended Plant High School and the University of Florida, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He retired as chairman of Gulf Southern Industries Inc. Harry was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Viola Taylor Root; his second wife, Wynogene Capps Root; and his parents, Harry Root Sr. and Addie T. Root. He is survived by his son, Harry Root III and wife, Marlene, and their children, Harry Root IV (Nicki), of Mount Pleasant, S.C., Taylor Root (Katie) of Birmingham, Ala., Tammy Bertron (Stewart), Kelli Whitehead of Eufaula, Ala., and Shannon Lewis (Matt) of Richmond, Va.; his son, Tommy Root and his wife, Conchita; and his daughter, Gina Cummings and her husband, Stephen, of Brookline, Mass., and their sons, Chris Cummings of New York City, N.Y., and Tommy Cummings of Brookline. He leaves eight great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. The family will be forever grateful for the love and care given Harry by his friend and caregiver, Michelle LaFleur, by the staff at Canterbury Tower Health Center and by the Gold Team of Lifepath Hospice. An avid and accomplished golfer, Harry was 10-time Tampa City Match Play champion, six-time Palma Ceia Golf Club match play champion and twice runner-up in the Florida State Golf Association Match Play Championship. Harry also served as president of FSGA and as a United States Golf Association Committeeman, and he was instrumental in the formation of the Ladies Professional Golf Association. He would entertain family and friends with his unique golf stories, such as playing a round with baseball great, Babe Ruth. A private memorial service will take place for the family, and there will be a reception celebrating Harry' s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Lifepath Hospice or a charity of your choice. Please read the extended obituary and sign the guestbook at www. BlountCurryMacDill.com