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Orange Blossom veteran dies
By TIMES STAFF
Published October 25, 2005
Casey L. Williams, widely known just as "Gator," died Monday in Largo. He was probably 95.
"He could be older than that," said his caregiver, Barbara Ann Moore of St. Petersburg. "Us and Social Security, we're going with 95."
A fruit picker for Orange Blossom Groves for more than 50 years, Mr. Williams was one of many people who made the place a unique Pinellas institution. He never wanted to retire, Moore said, and stopped only after a stroke. He loved fishing and smart clothes, favoring Stetson hats, colorful three-piece suits and exotic Stacy Adams shoes.
"He always had a story to tell," said Orange Blossom Groves owner Al Repetto, 81. "He was a card."
Mr. Williams will be cremated by Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, but not before a service Saturday so people can see him one last time. For that, Moore said, he'll wear white.
[Last modified October 25, 2005, 19:36:02]
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