Jon Louis Courson Jr.

Jon Louis Courson, Jr.

Jon Louis Courson, Jr., Resident of Florida Presbyterian Homes in Lakeland, Florida, passed away on June 17, 2021 at age of 91. Jon is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Peggy, his daughters Elaine Wisemanand Lyris Newman (Eric), brother Jerry Courson (Tracy), grandchildren Stephanie and Jeffrey Wiseman (Lindsey), Drew Newman (Ariel), Greg Courson Jr and Jon Courson IV, and great-grandchildren Lilly and Davis Wiseman and William Newman. He is predeceased by his mother Clemmie Thomas Courson and sons Greg Courson and Jon Courson III.

Jon was born in Plant City on February 23, 1930, graduated from Bolles Military School, Jacksonville, Florida, and attended Stetson University. He spent most of his career in the soft drink industry, serving as Senior Vice President of Pepsi-Coal Bottling Company of Tampa. After it was sold in 1987, Jon became Vice President and Treasurer of Parker Ventures. As aleader in the soft drink industry, he served as President of both the Florida Soft Drink Association and the Southeastern Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Association. Always a visionary, Jonfounded and was the first President of the Business and Industry Recycling Program.

Jon is best remembered for his extremely active role in the community. During his illustrious career, Jon served as President of the Rotary Club of Tampa, the Sertoma Club of Tampa, the Merchants Association of Florida, Consumer Credit Counseling, the Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce and was a Director of the Exchange Bank of Temple Terrace and Enterprise Bank of Tampa.

Perhaps Jon's proudest accomplishments occurred when he was Chairman of the Board of University Community Hospital (AdventHealth Tampa) when he spearheaded the development of the Woman's Center, the Child Care Center and the Pepin Heart Hospital as well the purchase of Carrollwood Hospital. In recognition of his many contributions to his community, Jon was named Temple Terrace's Citizen of the Year.

A seventh generation Floridian, Jon was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution and Florida Pioneer Descendants.

After retirement, Jon put his time and energy into perfecting his wood-turning skills. His bowls were most sought after in North Carolina and Florida and won many blue ribbons in art shows.

Services will be held at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 21, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Loving Care Fund (memo - Endowment Fund) and sent to Florida Presbyterian Home, 16 Lake Hunter Drive, Lakeland, Fl 33808. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.