Wayne Philip Reece, 90, of Winter Park, passed away March 22, 2024. Phil was born to the late Ruby and William Reece May 24, 1933, in Rome, Georgia.
He attended Rockmart High School in Rockmart, Georgia. Following graduation, he attended Georgia Institute of Technology where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in industrial management. In 1955 Phil was called to join the Army where he had a 3-year long career as a specialist. During his time in the military, he married the love of his life Diane on September 12, 1956, and spent 66 wonderful years together until she passed in September of 2022. Phil was a very successful businessman from the time he exited the military.
He worked in sales for several years and worked his way up to being a partner for several major pool companies in Florida. He was also very involved in the local community. Phil moved to Winter Park in the Summer of 1960, 2 months prior to hurricane Donna. He became a partner and manager of a start-up company, Florida Pump and Supply. After 2 ½ very successful years he sold the company to Sta-Rite Manufacturing Company in February of 1963. Florida Pump and Supply is still in business today. At that time, he formed Tropicana Pools, which he took public in 1969.
In 1972 Phil sold his remaining shares in the business to the Goldfield Corp, and it remained in business until 1977. In 1968, Phil purchased several orange groves along with some investment acreage. Upon the closure of Tropicana, along with two former employees, he started Mid-Florida Pools. This company grew to be one of the larger pool construction companies in Central Florida. Phil was also involved in the formation and/or ownership of four other swimming pool contracting companies. From 1975-1987 Phil served on the Orlando/Orange County Expressway Authority.
While he was Chairman, the Authority developed and designed multiple expansion projects of the East-West Downtown Orlando expressway. Once he sold his interest in the Mid Florida Pools and Repair, he became a partner with Reeco Properties in Apopka, Florida from 1968 to 2024. Reeco Properties is a family partnership that he has with his son, Brian, that handles owning, accounting, building, managing, and leasing commercial properties. He was a very wise investor, which led to many new investment opportunities.
Outside of his time investing in properties, Phil was an avid golfer and had a passion for playing bridge and pool as well. He was a member of the Country Club of Orlando for 50 years and a proud member of All Saints Episcopal Church.
Phil is survived by his son, Brian (Tina) and grandsons, Cooper Reece (Julia), Tyler Reece, and John Reece. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife, Diane and son, Wayne Reece.
A celebration of Phil’s life will be held All Saints Episcopal Church on April 04, 2024 at 3 p.m. with a reception to follow.