Mendal James Luce

Obituary of Dr. Mendal Luce Dr. Mendal James Luce, 92 years old, of Fruitland Park, FL passed away on Friday, December 2, 2016, at home with loved ones by his side. He went to school one day and told his classmates his name was Butch and it stuck with him throughout his life. Butch was born in Lake Alfred, Florida on October 23, 1924 to Hayse Cooper and Esther Iva Luce. He graduated from Lake Alfred High School and attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II in 1942 serving his country in Austria, Germany, France and Russia. He was wounded during his service and was awarded the Purple Heart. Butch returned to Florida Southern College to continue his education where he met the love of his life, Dorma Jean Coley, who we all know as "D". After graduating from Florida Southern, he married his love and they moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he attended Emory University and started his family. With twins, Dayle and Gayle and soon after Cici, he survived dental school and graduated as a doctor of dental surgery. He and his family then moved to Pahokee, Florida to begin his career in dentistry taking over Dr. Long's practice while he served his country. He later moved to Belle Glade, Florida to open his own dental practice where he served his community for over 40 years. Butch loved the Lord and loved practicing dentistry. He used this talent through Christian missionary service in other countries helping the less fortunate as his Savior would help them. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Methodist Men and other service organizations such as the Lions Club, the Elks Club and the Rotary Club. He served his community on the City of Belle Glade Planning and Zoning Board. He was a 32nd degree Mason and was a member of the Florida Dental Association. Dr. Luce was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America and an Eagle Scout. He encouraged many young men, including his own sons, along the good paths of life through the scouting program. He is one of several generations of Eagle Scouts in the posterity of his father Hayse Luce, mentoring them all along the trail to that great honor. He also worked with D in the Girl Scouts of America organization giving his daughters opportunities to learn life skills. Butch enjoyed life. He loved a good laugh, always telling and playing jokes. He was an avid golfer, played tennis and traveled extensively over the United States, camping every chance along the way. He and D loved their travels and adventures with their good friends Milton and Nancy Carpenter and especially enjoyed their international adventures to several different countries. Butch is survived by his children, Dayle Mackay and husband Bill, Gayle Fessenden and husband Ricky, Cici Eichenberger and husband Tim, Wayne Luce and wife Paula and Lee Luce and wife Christy, 12 grandchildren and 11 ½ great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorma Jean Luce, parents, Hayse and Esther Luce, brother Frances and his wife Helen Luce and his infant son, Mark David Luce. Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 9th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Belle Glade Community United Methodist Church. Funeral is Saturday, Dec. 10th at 10:00 AM at the Belle Glade Community United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at the Port Mayaca Cemetery. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to Methodist Children's Home, Smile Train, Hospice Center of your choice or your favorite charity.

Mendal James Luce

October 23, 1924 - December 2, 2016