Baxter E. Luther

Having lost my battle with pancreatic cancer, I died quietly on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at the Community Hospice Earl B. Hadlow Center for Caring. My loving wife of 66 wonderful years, Rosia, my two daughters, Gwendolyn Branch (Jimmy), Phyllis Arnold (Craig Buchanan) and precious granddaughter, Alicia Stewart(newly wed to Ricky) were all with me, as I joined many family members and dear friends that passed on before me. I was born January 28, 1930 in Randolph County, North Carolina. I joined the U.S. Air Force in 1952. While stationed in Germany for several years, Rosia and I were fortunate to travel the beautifully scenic Rhine Countries extensively. We were also blessed with the birth of our first daughter, Gwendolyn. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1956, we settled in Jacksonville where I began my life long career in finance with The American Discount Company and we joyfully celebrated the birth of our second daughter, Phyllis. In 1966 I became employed by the Florida National Banks until my retirement in May, 1985 as Senior Vice President of the Retail Banking Division. During my working career, I met and worked with some wonderful people. In 1966 I began my relationship with the Optimist Club and then in 1979 I joined the Arlington Rotary Club. Having lived all of my Jacksonville years in Arlington, I had seen the economic challenges the residents of Arlington were facing; especially the children. The Boys and Girls Club of Woodland Acres was an excellent opportunity to make a true difference in these young lives. These children are eager to follow the right path; they only need help finding the correct way. I was extremely fortunate to have had a career doing what I loved; helping others. All of these things I did for me. I am indebted to those who allowed me to mentor their successes and challenges. I have been blessed with a beautiful family and many good friends. Thanks to all of you who helped me along my journey. I have truly been a blessed man in every way. Life has been good to me. I am also survived by two sisters, Evelyn Barber and Doris McQuiggan (Bob) and many other family members. Please don`t be upset with me, but there will not be a service in Jacksonville. I`ve requested a private family gathering in North Carolina at the church I attended with my parents as a young boy. And last, a touch of humor I`ll leave with you. . . "No matter how rich or powerful you think you are; the size of your funeral will be determined by the weather!" In lieu of flowers, please make donations, in memory of Baxter Luther, to The Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida 555 W 25th Street Jacksonville, Florida 32206 or Northeast Florida Community Hospice 4266 Sunbeam Road Jacksonville, Florida 32257