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In Memory
Please help us honor and recognize our friends in the Fair industry who pass away during the year by sending their names and Fair affiliation to the Federation for inclusion in the Resolutions passed at each year’s convention and also be included in the next issue of the newsletter. Please include the person’s affiliation with your Fair or company and years of service. Send to
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floridafairs@gmail.com And Resolutions Chairman Suzanne Holcomb
Suzanne@hillsboroughcountyfair.com Albert E. Dotson, Sr.. 5-2-1938-5-29-2021
Born in Memphis, TN. At the start of his career he worked at Sears Roebuck & Company as a stock clerk, then becoming manager which brought him to Miami. He focused much of his civic service on advancing higher education. He was appointed by Gov. Bush to join the Florida International University Board of Trustees and served as Board Chair and was named Chair Emeritus. The university’s pavilion is named Earlene and Albert Dotson Pavilion. He was President of the Miami-Dade Exposition from 1996 to 1998. He is survived by his wife of 62 years. They were blessed with five children and thirteen grandchildren.
Chris Brian Hogue 1-31-1970-9-7-2021
The son of the late Randy and Nancy Hogue. He lived in Plant City. Chris was the H.R. Director with the Florida State Fair. He was a Pastor with GO Church in Plant City. Survivors include his wife; Jessica Hogue, children; Caitlyn Hogue, Cory Hunt, siblings; Kathy Cribbs (Keith), Joe Hogue (Sean Petersen).
Phillip Michael Clark 1-7-1945-10-19-2021
Phillip passed away in Katy, Texas. He was born in Canton, Illinois. On December 23, 1967, he married Carol Ann Aden in Taylorville, Illinois. Phil played four sports in high school, earning a letter for each and was inducted into the Taylorville High School Sports Hall of Fame. He spent 23 years at several Six Flags Parks across the country. He oversaw the development of jazzland theme park in New Orleans, Louisiana, followed by 12 years as CEO of the Miami-Dade County Fair. Phil also served on the Florida Federation of Fairs Board of Directors. He is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Carol Clark of Weston Lakes, Texas and sons: Phillip, Patrick, Brian and 6 grandchildren.
Roberta “Robbi” Davies Giaconne 11-3-1947-11-6-2021
Born in Rhode Island with her childhood split between there and Florida. In addition to a loving wife, wonderful mother, and very involved grandmother, Robbi was a consummate volunteer and community leader. For over 27 years Robbi poured her heart into the St. Lucie County Fair. A Trustee for 25 years, she served as Secretary and Treasurer. Considered the front gate guru. Her nearly two decades began in one leaky shed, she saw the Fair grow, move locations and helped develop into a world class Fair. Every year, Frank and Robbi stayed in their camper at the fairgrounds so Robbie could be available at all times. Robbi is survived by her husband of 50 years, Francis “Frank” Giaccone, her son Anthony “Tony” Giaccone, and her beloved grandson “Little Tony.”
Frank Shirley 9-14-1956-12-2021
Frank Shirley was born on September 14, 1956 and worked as an Electrician for the Florida State Fair Authority from December of 2009 until his passing in December of 2021. He started as a part time Electrical Laborer and in 2015 was promoted to full time. He was then promoted to Senior Electrical Technician in 2015. Has was a devoted father and a great mentor to the Electrical staff.
Ronald James “Butch” Schmitt 5-20-1948-1-7-2022
Bruce served on the Board of Directors at the South Florida Fair for 24 years.
Susan Harrell 11-17-1964-2-3-2022
Susan Harrell, 57, of Riverview, Florida, entered into eternal rest on February 3, 2022. She was a member of the Hillsborough County Cattlewomen's Association, an active member and sponsor of 4-H, and founded a girl’s and boy’s home in Haiti for Promised Provisions Ministries. She served for many years on the Hillsborough County Fair Livestock and Swine Show Committees. She was preceded in death by her husband CPT Bruce Allen Harrell. She is survived by sons: James Wilson Harrell, Blake Austin Harrell, and Lane Allen Harrell and 4 grandchildren. She is also survived by her parents, James and Lucretia Bond of Palmetto, and Ada Lingo Tolar of Riverview.
Gene Raymond Tylander 8-27-1950-2-21-2022
Born in West Palm Beach, graduated from Forest Hill High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from the University of Alabama.Gene Tylander was a third generation native Floridian who grew up in the family lumber business in Palm Beach County. After graduating from Alabama, he returned to West Palm Beach and joined his father at Ray Tylander’s, Inc. He was active with the South Florida Fair, where he became interested in gate operation and ticketing. From the age of 10, Gene was fascinated with all forms of electronics and kept up with the latest trends and gadgets. He was always a step ahead in the latest technology, and in 2001 formed TyTix, LLC., a ticketing software company. This successful business venture allowed him to travel with Alice all over the country attending his clients' fairs and special events. Alabama is where he met and married the love of his life, Alice Dale Smith. They had 3 children, Patrick (43), Andrew (40), and Suzanne (38). All 3 were at his side at his passing.
Hugh Curtis Hardin 8-30-1934-2-23-2022
Born in Boyds Creek, TN he was an active member of his community as the owner/operator of Terminal Garage and a machinist for Intertec Medical Supply before retiring in 2000.. He was a Past Master of Tropical Masonic Lodge where he was a member for 50 years. He served on the Executive Board of the Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair for many years. He leaves his wife of 67 years, Carolyn Jean; three children, 5 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Beatrice Easton Paulhamus 1942-2022
Bea” born in Montoursville, PA, After meeting her husband Skip at the State Fair, they married and moved to Florida in 1962 and established a real family farm in Eustis Growing sweet corn. She also had a catering business, she joined the Jr. Women’s Club, was President of Florida Farm Bureau’s Womens Committee and a board member for the Lake County Fair. “Miss Bea was a long serving Board member who loved our fair and enjoyed teaching young people about the agriculture world & heritage. We will be forever grateful to Mr. Frank and to the entire Paulhamus family for sharing Miss Bea with us.” said Todd Luce, LCF President. She is survived by her husband Frank and 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great granddaughter
Sylvia Miller Young June 20, 1938-June 7, 2022
Sylvia Young, one of the first women to serve on the Pasco County Commission. She worked tirelessly to preserve the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City. Quoting the Pasco County Fair:” It is with honor, we remember Sylvia for her many years as a Board of Director with the Pasco County Fair Association. She served for many years as the Chairwoman of the Schrader Building that houses the Community Exhibits at the annual fair in February. She truly loved the fair and this community.” Quoting close friend and relative Howard Bellamy, “Known as an impeccably dressed and beautiful woman with a feisty, outgoing, quick witted and determined personality.” Sylvia was a member of the United Methodist Church in Dade City and a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She is survived by a son, daughter, three grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
To Steven Lombardo and family on the loss of his brother John “Johnny” Lombardo
