Obituary of Norman Todd

Norman Todd July 31, 1932 – February 28, 2021 Norman Todd, a life-long Florida resident and citrus industry insider, died on February 28, 2021. He was a graduate of the University of Florida. Following college, Norman enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was posted in Seattle WA and performed missions in Alaska. While in Seattle, he met and married Helen Kennedy. Following his military service, the couple settled in Florida. Norman's citrus career included positions in Winter Haven, Avon Park, Hobe Sound, Frostproof and LaBelle. He managed thousands of acres of citrus in over 20 Florida counties and was involved in numerous research committees and production programs. He believed that funding was needed for research projects directed by citrus growers. In 1991, as President of the Florida Citrus Production Managers Association, he spearheaded a statewide referendum among citrus growers to establish the Citrus Box Tax. Norman was known as the "Godfather" of the box tax which has raised millions of dollars to help fund The University of Florida's (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (IFAS) research stations. He was a long-time member of the Florida Horticultural Society and served four years as Treasurer. In 2008, Norman was inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame. He has received many awards, including the UF Distinguished Alumnus award (2005), IFAS Alumnus of Distinction award (1998), Citrus Achievement Award by Florida Grower Magazine, 1983 Industry Man of the Year by the UF Citrus Club, 1988 Distinguished Service Award of Merit by the UF Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta (Honor Society of Agriculture), Outstanding Agriculturist by the Florida Association of County Ag Agents, and Outstanding Commercial Horticulturist Award by the Florida State Horticultural Society. He served as President of the LaBelle Rotary Club and Director of the Greater LaBelle Chamber of Commerce. He was a devoted member of The Church of the Good Shepherd in LaBelle and served on the Vestry. He was President of the Avon Park Jaycees, President of the Frostproof Band Boosters, Chairman of the City of Frostproof Citizens Advisory Committee for Housing and Community Rehabilitation, and Secretary of the Frostproof Rotary Club, Norman was the son of the late E. G. and Winifred Todd. His wife Helen predeceased him in 2001. Norman is survived by his son David (Judy), his daughter Patricia (Michael), his dear friend Marilee Truitt, his devoted caregiver Heidi Weems and three grandchildren. Norman's wishes were to forgo formal funeral traditions in favor of a private family service. In lieu of flowers, Norman requested that folks make the world a little bit better by generously donating their time or treasure to their favorite charity. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.