Clyde L. Ergle, Jr.

Clyde LaVelle Ergle, Jr., of Winter Haven, FL, died peacefully in his sleep on April 15, 2022, of natural causes. He was 94.

“Val” was born on December 22, 1927, in Ft. Mead, Fl. After graduation from Lakeland High School in 1946, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served overseas at the end of WWII. He later attended the University of Florida, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Economics.

He embarked on a career as an Inspector for the United States Department of Agriculture, first traveling the country before settling in Winter Haven, where he raised his family. He personally built his dream home while providing strength and leadership in his and his children’s lives – from Boy Scouts of America, Little League sports, to school and church groups. He was also active in the Winter Haven Tennis Club, the Polk County Country/Western Dance Association and the Winter Haven 912 Project, as well as a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. Additionally, he was certified as a UF Master Gardener.

Val enjoyed watching sports (especially his Florida Gators), tennis, golf, gardening, southern cooking, his dogs, and country/western music and dancing. It was while he was teaching country line dancing that he met the love of his life, Janet Gromley-Gamble. They remained married for 31 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde LaVelle Sr and Clara Gooslbey-Ergle, and sister LaVerne Langfitt.

Val is survived by his wife Janet, sister Juanita MacDonald, sons William, Jeff, and Todd, daughter Valerie, granddaughters Cristine and Emily, stepsons Paul (Audra) Gamble, stepdaughter Julie (Paul) Richter and step-grandchildren Jennifer and Ben Richter, step-grandson Mario Muntes, and several nephews and cousins.

Val’s celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at Lakeland Memorial Gardens at 2:00 p.m. 

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