Obituary of Robert Charles Nettleton

            Robert C. Nettleton went to be with the Lord on December 13, 2023 at the age of 88. He was born in Hornell, New York on August 17, 1935.  At the age of three his parents and older sister moved to Ocala, Florida.  He attended school in Ocala, Florida graduating from Ocala High School in 1953.  He was admitted to the University of Florida and after two years he was informed about a program between Stetson University College of Law and Florida Southern College where, based upon scholastic achievement and high law school LSAT test scores it was possible to apply for law school after three years of college.  He received a Law Degree from Stetson University College of Law on May 29, 1959.

           To fulfill his military obligation he joined the Army where he served on active duty as a Courts and Boards Clerk in the 3rd Regimental Headquarters at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina.  After being placed in the Army Reserve he was a member of the Military Police, Criminal Investigations Detachment until being honorably discharged from the Army.  

         While living in Lakeland, Florida he was hired by John Dewell to work in his Haines City law office.  In 1964 he was offered the job of City Attorney provided that he would move his family to Haines City.  In addition to serving as City Attorney for the City of Haines City for 38 years he worked in the Polk County Criminal Court as an Assistant County Solicitor until 1968 when he became an Assistant State Attorney for the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, while still in private practice.  During his years as an Assistant State Attorney he was asked to manage the State Attorney’s Office in Sebring, Florida for a period of two years by commuting to Sebring in Highland’s County as needed to try felony trials in Highland’s County.

         Bob was an avid Gator Fan and traveled for many years with his wife Jo in a Motor Home to all the Gator Games far and near with his Gator group called the Gator chasers.

         Bob served as City Attorney during the early growth years of Haines City assisting in the construction of a new water treatment plant, an expansion of the sewer system and sewage treatment plant obtaining right of ways for the construction of the 16” water main providing water for existing and future development. Assisted in writing grant applications for the construction of municipal facilities including storm sewer and paving roadways for Haines City.  Participated in obtaining Section 8 housing, apartments and single family dwellings.  Was an active member of the Haines City Junior Chamber of Commerce serving as State Director,  Active member of the Haines City Rotary Club serving as President, Bulletin Editor and BBQ cook at fund raising events.  During his tenure as City Attorney Bob worked closely with 6 different City Managers and 27 different City Mayors. In January of 2023, Bob was inducted into the Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame. After 63 years of providing legal services to the people of Northeast Polk County Bob retired at the age of 87 to enjoy life with his wife Jo, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

         He is survived by his friend, companion and wife of 45 years Jo and together they raised their children William C. Nettleton, John R. Nettleton (Fran), James T. Nettleton (Trish) Jay D. Burnett (Kris), Andy Scott (Anna) and Penny Scott. Several grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loyal friend and secretary of 50 years Sheila Cotton.       

         His celebration of life will be Monday, December 18, 2023 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care located at 1001 Grace Avenue, Haines City, Florida 33844.  Visitation will be at 10 a.m. and the service will follow at 11:00 am.  Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, 2646 Grace Avenue, Haines City, Florida. Lunch following grave side service.