Deeley A. Hunt (1897-1984)

Inducted 1989

Highlights

Deeley A. Hunt studied citrus, horticulture, and veterinary science at the University of Florida. In 1922 Hunt and his brother, Charles Hunt, founded Hunt Brothers, Inc., a citrus grove and caretaking business in Lake Wales.

Hunt Brothers, Inc.

Lake Wales

Florida Citrus Canners Cooperative

Florida’s Natural

Citrus World, Inc.

Florida Citrus Mutual

Sealdsweet Growers, Inc.

Bio

Deeley A. Hunt was born in Ohio in 1897 and moved to Florida in 1919 to study citrus, horticulture, and veterinary science at the University of Florida. After graduation Hunt found brief employment with the University. In 1922 Hunt and his brother, Charles Hunt, founded Hunt Brothers, Inc., a citrus grove and caretaking business in Lake Wales. Hunt bought his brother’s interest in the concern in 1938. The company continued to grow and by 2008, the operation had grown to include nearly 5,000 acres. In 1928, the brothers built their first packinghouse in Lake Wales. In 1930 Deeley Hunt was one of six founding members of the Florida Citrus Canners Cooperative, which later became Florida’s Natural.

Deeley Hunt is probably known in the Florida’s citrus industry most for his leadership role at Citrus World, Inc. He served as Vice President of the company for 15 years. In 1946 he became President and General Manager, a position he held until 1951.

He was a member of the first Board of Directors of Florida Citrus Mutual and served on the Board of Seald-Sweet Growers, Inc.