White, William Garnett, 90, Sanford, Florida, died Tuesday, January 2, 2024, with his family by his side following a brief illness. Garnett was born in St. Augustine, Florida to Lewis and Ruth White. Garnett’s family relocated to Sanford in 1936 where he attained the honor of Eagle Scout and attended Seminole County schools.
After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served as a Quartermaster during the Korean War. Following his service to his country, Garnett returned to his hometown of Sanford. While attending a football game at Leesburg High School, Garnett laid eyes on a cheerleader named Paulette Cason who became the love of his life.
They were married on Valentine’s Day in 1957 and enjoyed a 66- year marriage based on love, respect, and laughter. As a lifelong resident of Sanford and a licensed Real Estate Broker for over 56 years Garnett knew everyone and almost everyone knew “Blue.” Some people believed Garnett’s nickname of “Blue” came from his diehard support of the University of Florida Gators (his beloved Orange and Blue.)
His family shares the story that almost 60 years ago Garnett campaigned for a seat on
the Seminole County Commission. During the campaign, he was meeting so many people that he had trouble remembering everyone’s names. In the spirit of being raised as a southern gentleman, he began calling everyone “Blue.” When his campaign was over the people of Seminole County turned the tables on Garnett and began calling him “Blue.” The nickname stuck and he was affectionately known as “Blue” by almost everyone who knew him.
Along with being a trusted and successful Real Estate Broker who oftentimes sold the same parcel of land multiple times throughout his long career, Garnett purchased several orange groves throughout Central Florida as well as a fruit packing house known as Red Hill Groves. Under Garnett’s watchful eye Red Hill Groves has been in business over 40 years growing, packing, and shipping fruit all over the United States.
Garnett lived a life of civic service as the President of the Sanford-Seminole Jaycees, President of the Seminole County chapter of the American Cancer Society, President/Director of the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce for 25 years, Vice-Chairman of the board of Seminole State College, Paul Harris fellow, and Director of Flagship/SunTrust Banks for 15 years.
Before the creation of Google Search or Wikipedia, there was “Blue.” If anyone wanted to know anything about Sanford or its residents, “Blue” was the go-to guy. He knew Sanford and its residents better than anyone. The only problem with asking “Blue” for information was that once he started his stories you had to pull up a chair and sit because you were going to be there for a while. No one minded listening to the stories because eventually “Blue” gave them exactly the information they needed.
When Garnett wasn’t running his businesses or helping others, he enjoyed flying radio-
controlled aircraft, collecting steam-powered engines, and playing a round of golf at Mayfair Country Club. Usually, what he didn’t collect from his foursome on the links, he more than made up for in the clubhouse playing Gin Rummy.
Garnett is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Paulette, sons Ed, Ted (Allyson Smith), daughter Judy White Sousley(Justin Edwards), grandchildren TJ (Leah) White, Brad (Kelly) White, Grant Sousley and great-grandchildren Trace, Harper, and Lincoln.
Our families’ gracious appreciation is extended to Vitas/Hospice and wonderful caregivers: Jennifer, Guerline, and Twyla.
The family will receive friends and family at a visitation on Monday, January 8, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at DeGusipe Funeral Home, 905 Laurel Avenue, Sanford, Florida with the funeral to follow on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.