William Albert Carlton

Highlights

Carlton served on the Florida Citrus Commission from 1958 to 1962 where he was able to help provide strong leadership when the Florida citrus industry was struggling. Following a four-year break, he rejoined the Commission, where his leadership was needed to help guide the citrus industry through new developments in citrus concentrate improvements.

Governor Doyle Carlton, Sr.

Florida Citrus Commission

Citrus Concentrate

Florida Citrus Mutual

Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Selection Committee

Bio

Carlton was a seventh generation member of a pioneering Florida family of citrus growers and cattle ranchers. Carlton’s family included important Florida notables such as his uncle, the former Governor, Doyle Carlton Sr., and his cousin, the Florida State Fair organizer Doyle Carlton Jr.

Carlton served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon his return from the war, he entered the University of Florida where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture in 1948.

Carlton served on the Florida Citrus Commission from 1958 to 1962 where he was able to help provide strong leadership when the Florida citrus industry was struggling. Following a four-year break, he rejoined the Commission, where his leadership was needed to help guide the citrus industry through new developments in citrus concentrate improvements.

While he served with the Commission, he also served on the Board of Directors for Florida Citrus Mutual from 1957 to 1975. He was also selected as the President of Florida Citrus Mutual from 1964 to 1968. After leaving his posts at the Florida Citrus Commission and Florida Citrus Mutual, he served with the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame selection committee, where he worked on nominations and served as the Vice-Chairman for seven years.

Carlton lived with his wife Barbara and their four children on the old family homestead in Hardee County. Even after a heart attack in the mid-1970’s, Carlton stayed involved in industry affairs and activities. William Carlton died on April 24, 1992, leaving behind him a legacy where he is remembered as being a dynamic leader in the citrus industry. He was honored for his contributions to the Florida Citrus Industry when he was inducted to the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in 1993.

William A. Carlton is remembered by Earl M. Crittenden as being: “One of the good guys. Al Carlton was a very dedicated Floridian. He and his family have made a great contribution to the state of Florida and to the citrus industry.”