Hugh "Wes" Prine

After 95 years of a life very well lived, Hugh Wesley Prine Sr. passed away comfortably in his home in Avon Park, Florida on April 6th, 2024. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Sanny Calhoun Prine of Cordele, Georgia and Father, William Henry Prine of Plant City, Florida; two brothers and three sisters; his daughters Sharon (Tom) and Jamie Lynn; his grandchild Baby Prine; and his great-grandson Rhett. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Lillian, as well as his children Wesley Jr. (Annette), Lynn (Jim), Shelley (Jim), Bill (Michelle), and Craig (Debbie); 16 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. Hugh, more commonly called “Wes,” was born on June 24, 1928 in St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating from St. Petersburg High School, where notably 4 of his children would later also attend, he worked for the City of St. Petersburg’s finance department while simultaneously delivering papers for the St. Petersburg Times. He was well-known for his work ethic and personability, which ultimately led several hundred of his customers to nominate him for “Times Carrier of the Year,” an award he won in 1958. This honor included an all-expenses-paid trip to Spain and Portugal and resulted in several features in the Times regarding his trip; one such article he penned himself. After his exciting trip abroad, Wes would occasionally find himself back in the newspapers. An avid outdoorsman, Wes heeded the call of the wild as often as he could, and the local writers loved the idea of a Florida boy mastering the vast untamed wilderness of the Northwest. From the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia to the Plains of Texas and everywhere in between, Wes brought in more wild game than most could ever dream of. He harvested every species of North American game animal except two. Over the years Wes owned and leased various properties across the country from which he would pursue his passion for hunting and fishing, and he shared those hobbies with many of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Wes’ can-do attitude continued to take him to greater heights and he pursued a career as an independent seller for an insurance agency in Clearwater, Florida. Upon retiring in 1990 at the age of 62, Wes and his wife, Lil, moved to Hawthorn, Florida where he maintained a 27-acre pecan orchard and garden from which he supplied food to family and friends well into his eighties. Throughout his life, Wes was known for his exemplary work ethic, a trait that would continue to keep him active well past his retirement. Never one for idleness, Wes kept himself (and his family members) consistently busy throughout the years with countless home and garden projects, farm chores, and outdoor hobbies. To many, it seemed that he never sat down. However, there was always one exception: Wes loved to watch the Gators play football. For many seasons, he and wife, Lil, were boosters and season ticket holders for the games of his beloved University of Florida. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Y Indian Guides. His family and friends will remember him as a man who valued hard work, the love of his family, a good joke, and the great outdoors. Funeral and viewing will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Southside Baptist Church 314 S Scenic Hwy, Frostproof, FL 33843 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (Family) and 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm (All guests). Celebration of Life and potluck immediately to follow. Graveside service and burial will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens 5050 SW 20th St Ocala, FL 34474. Please join us in fellowship for a celebration of the life of this wonderful man whose legacy lives on through family and friends.

Hugh "Wes" Prine

June 24, 1928 - April 6, 2024