Biographical Information
City of Residence: Jacksonville
Occupation: Vice President, Gate Petroleum Company
Spouse: Alice Claudia Berry of Miami
Child(ren): Donald R. Jr., Dean L.
Education: Los Angeles City College, 1949-1950; University of Redlands, 1950; U.C.L.A., A.A., 1959
Born: June 23, 1931, Okemah, OK
Deceased: April 10, 2008
Military: U.S. Army 3 years; Decorated Korean War Veteran, Combat Infantryman Badge, Korean War ribbon with 3 battle stars
Moved to Florida: 1960
Religious Affiliation: Baptist
Recreational Interest: golf, hunting, snow skiing, tennis
Legislative Service
Elected to the House in 2000, reelected subsequently
Other Public Services
Jacksonville City Council, President 1993, 1999
Jacksonville City Councilman at Large 1987-1999
Affiliations
American Cancer Society, past Board of Directors
Deerwood Club
Florida Theatre, Board of Directors
Jacksonville 1st Tee, Board of Directors
Prisoners of Christ, Board of Directors
Honorable Company of Red Coats, Chairman 1999-2000
The Players Championship, Chairman 1988
Toyota Gator Bowl Association, President 1987
Rotary Club, President 1985
Highlights
Florida Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus, Legislator of the Year 2003
Rated "A" by the Florida Chamber of Commerce 2003
Florida Petroleum Marketers, Legislative Leadership Award 2001
Charles Webb Award given to the member of City Council considered the most valuable by the President of the Council 1997-1998
Claude Yates Award given to the outstanding member of the Jacksonville City Council by a vote of its 19 members 1993-1994
Served two terms as Chairman of H.U.D. Advisory Board and was appointed by the Legislature to Local Government Study Commission, which formulated our consolidated form of government