Apopka historian dies at 88

"...it was a time of optimism, not pessimism; of self-confidence, not doubt; and, above all, of faith in the future. Apopkans and their northwest Orange County neighbors were soon caught up in the spirit of the time. Having struggled with depression, decline, and doubt after the national depression of the 1890's and the devastating freezes of 1894-1895, they revived their town government, cooperated to form a board of trade, and began a two-fold effort to rebuild their economy: through self-help on the one hand and by advertising the assets of Central Florida and attracting new settlers on the other."

Jerrell H. Shofner from his book History of Apopka and Northwest Orange County, Florida

He wrote the book on Apopka.

Jerrell H. Shofner, the author of History of Apopka and Northwest Orange County, Florida, died Tuesday after a long bout with Alzheimer's Disease. He was 88.

Jerrell H. Shofner

Shofner was born in Haslet, TX on January 30th, 1929 to Dora May Taylor and Harris Shofner. He came to Florida by way of the United States Air Force. He served in the Air Force from 1946 to 1960. He left to attend Florida State University, where he received his PH.D in history. After receiving his PH.D he taught at the University of Florida and Florida State University. In 1972 he was appointed professor and chair of the history department at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Shofner retired in 1990. He was also a past president of the Florida Historical Society and past editor of the Florida Historical Quarterly.

A renowned Florida historian, he authored 16 books. Mayor Buddy Dyer of Orlando proclaimed May 20th, 2016 as "Dr. Jerrell H. Shofner Day."

He is survived by his wife Frances McDermott, four children Michele (Robert) Fudo, Charles Shofner (Pauline), Kellie McDermott Chadwick (Robert), and Kenneth Mark McDermott (Missy); two sisters, Carolyn Trechter and Neilmarie Casey, both of Tampa, FL.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1 pm at Baldwin Fairchild, 501 E. Mitchell Road, Oviedo with visitation beginning at noon. Interment will be at 2:30 pm at Glen Haven Memorial Park, Winter Park.

Mr. Shofner's complete obituary can be read here.