Rudy Guy Geraci

Rudy Guy Geraci, 83, passed away and was received into the loving arms of our Lord February 11, 2020. Rudy was born to Antonio and Josephine (Cafeo) Geraci on May 28, 1936, in Orlando, FL. Rudy grew up in Leesburg, FL, and graduated from Wildwood High School. With a passion for agriculture he inherited from his father, he was soon known for being able to grow almost anything, and as a young man he raised, harvested, and sold cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, and watermelons in partnership with his father, along with cattle and poultry. In his Senior year of high school, Rudy was selected to receive the award for outstanding agricultural student. After achieving the revenue requirements from his agricultural pursuits in 1950, he was initiated into the local chapter of Future Farmers of America in 1951, receiving his State Farmer degree in 1954. On October 16, 1956, Rudy earned his Honorary American Farmer Degree from FFA, conferred upon him at the FFA 29th Annual National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Rudy's FFA activities also included serving as the Chapter Sentinel, member of the Parliamentary Procedure Team, judging teams, and as chairman for several committees. Rudy served as an officer in his church, was a member of the TEC Club, and was also an active member of the Florida Farm Bureau. Rudy met his wife, Jane (Micheloni), in Immokalee, FL, and they were married on November 7, 1965, in Groveland, FL, where they raised their two daughters, Michele and Anita. Rudy made the transition into the citrus industry in the 1960's with groves located throughout Central Florida. Rudy was very active in the citrus industry including serving as a Director of B&W Canning Company and membership in Florida Orange Management (FOM). Rudy became more active in the cattle industry in the 1980's after the freeze impacted the citrus industry in Central Florida. Rudy was a lifelong member of the Florida Cattlemen's Association and was very active at the local levels including serving as an officer for Lake County. Rudy became well-known in local and national cattle markets for the beautiful herds of Angus and other breeds his and Jane's ranch produced and sold each season. In addition to his involvement in the citrus and cattle industries, Rudy also actively managed their many commercial and rental investments. Rudy's passion for his life's work was surpassed only by the love he had and the time he spent with his family. Rudy's humble, friendly, loving personality endeared him to everyone he knew and met, and he was liked and loved by all. Rudy is survived by his wife Jane, daughters Michele Geraci (Tim Trzcinski) and Anita Geraci-Carver (Nate), grandson Connor Trzcinski, brother-in-law Aubrey Caruthers, niece Cathy Hinckley, nephews Michael Caruthers (Carol) and Mark Caruthers (Lorena), great-nieces Cherae Link (Chuck), Kimberly Hinckley (Ashley) and Fredericka Caruthers, sisters-in-law Patsy Godwin (Butch) and Mary Ann Bailey (Don), nephews Ryan Godwin, Matthew Godwin (Cassie), Brad Bailey (Stephanie) and Jason Bailey (Ericka), and many great-nieces and nephews. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, his older sister, Mary, and nephew, Dickie Hinckley. There will be a visitation at Edge Memorial United Methodist Church in Groveland on Friday, February 14, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held the following morning at Edge Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 15, beginning at 11:00 AM. Flowers can be sent in care of Edge Memorial UMC. Donations can be made to the South Lake County FFA chapter or to the Edge Memorial United Methodist Church - Music Program. Online condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg, FL.

Rudy Guy Geraci

May 28, 1936 - February 11, 2020