Henry Jennings Rou II passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022 after an extended illness. Jennings was born in Leesburg, Florida, the son of Henry Jennings Rou Sr. and Martha Albright Rou.
Jennings attended school in Tavares, Florida. After graduation he attended the University of Florida before enlisting in the US Air Force in his Freshman year. He served for over two years in England with the Strategic Air Command. Upon his return, he attended Florida Southern College and graduated with a Degree in Business and a Minor in Citrus. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and active in the Citrus Club, which would later become his life’s work. He has been involved with Florida Southern College for many years and was chosen to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013.
In 1962, Jennings began his 50 plus year career in the Citrus Industry. He formed his company, H. Jennings Rou, Inc. in 1966, a full-service citrus business. He was well known for his quality fresh fruit, and his famous Rainbow brand topped the New York Auction for several years.
Jennings was a leader in the Citrus Industry, serving for 20 years as Director of Florida Orange Marketers, which was the grower arm of Minute Maid. He served as Chairman of the Board and Chairman Emeritus. During his tenure the organization expanded statewide.
Jennings was a Director of Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association for 27 years, serving as President of The Florida East Coast Travel Association, a subsidiary of FFVA.
He was a Director of Florida Citrus Packers and of the Seald Sweet Sales Cooperative, and was a member and President of Lake Orange Extension Advisory Committee. He held a seat on The Citrus Associates of the NY Cotton Exchange.
Although Jennings made many contributions to the Citrus Industry, his optimism, experience and leadership during the devastating freezes of the 1980s made a large impact on the industry.
Jennings joined the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis in 1960 and served as an Elder, Deacon and a member of the Chancel Choir for many years.
An avid golfer, he was an early patron of the Florida Citrus Open Golf Tournament and was President of Pine Meadows Country Club in Eustis.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann Huffstetler Rou; his daughter Jennifer (Mark) Woodbury, son Henry Jennings (Diane) Rou III, daughter Alison (Liz Tigelaar) Rou; his grandchildren, Abigail (Stewart) Roulston, Grace Woodbury, William Matthew Rou, and Wilder Henry Tigelaar-Rou; great grandson, Theodore Henry Roulston and his sister-in-law Linda Rou. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Albright Rou, Sr. He has a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family is so thankful for his wonderful loving caregivers throughout his illness.
Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, 117 South Center Street, Eustis, Florida on Saturday, December 17th at 11:00am.
Memorial gifts can be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, 117 South Center Street, Eustis, Florida 32726 or to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared on the tribute wall.
