John (Jay) William Holford, a longtime member of the produce industry and former CEO of Seald Sweet Growers, died Dec. 20. He was 95. 

Mr. Holford was born in Orange, CA, and moved to Vero Beach, FL, in 1986. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1950 to 1951, demonstrating dedication and patriotism early in life. He retired as CEO from Seald Sweet Growers in 1994, concluding a remarkable career.

Mr. Holford’s career spanned over 40 years in the fruit and vegetable business, with a particular focus on the citrus industry. He was a well-known and respected member of multiple community and business organizations and held leadership roles in many of them. 

After starting his career at Hunts Foods & Industries, Mr. Holford spent time working at Sunkist, Texas Citrus Exchange and the Ventura County Citrus Exchange before joining Seald Sweet. 

Mr. Holford was recognized for his hard work and dedication, consistently contributing to the industry and community. Despite his professional responsibilities, he always made time for his family and personal interests.

Mr. Holford enjoyed spending time outdoors sharing his love of fishing and golf with his children. In his later years, he took up woodworking, creating many practical gifts for his family. Although Mr. Holford did not seek the spotlight, his long years of fatherly love deserve to be honored. He was a man of nurturing guidance, love, kindness, integrity and generosity, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Mr. Holford was a member of Community Church in Vero Beach. He also volunteered over 2,000 hours of service for the Indian River Medical Center hospital and was a bell ringer for The Salvation Army of Vero Beach, reflecting his commitment to helping others.

Mr. Holford met and married Millicent (Mickey) E Tedford in 1960, and together they had five children.  They enjoyed a happy and full life together until Mickey’s passing in 1998. Later, knowing he didn’t want to spend his remaining years alone, Mr. Holford met and married Eleanor Good in 2001. His second marriage brought much love, happiness and joy back into his life. 

Mr. Holford was blessed that two of the most wonderful women in the whole wide world chose him to be their husband. He took great pride in being a dedicated husband and father to his blended family of four daughters, four sons, 10 grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter.

Memorial Donations can be made to the Salvation Army: 2655 5th St SW; Vero Beach, FL 32962; the Make A Wish Foundation of the Rio Grande Valley: 1801 S 2nd St, Suite 405, McAllen, TX 78503; or St Jude Children’s Hospital.