A pioneer in the citrus industry has died.

Bill Mixon, 87, passed away last Friday. He’s the man behind Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in Manatee County.

Last week, he suffered a heart attack while planting trees and died a few days later.


Mixon's family said although he retired eight years ago, they couldn't keep him away from the groves. (Photo courtesy: Janet Mixon)

“He was working and planting trees and had a heart attack,” said Janet Mixon, his daughter-in-law. “That would be the way he’d want to go, and he’s missed already.”

Although he was retired, his family said they could not keep him away from the groves.

“He retired eight years ago from active business, but he stayed involved,” said Dean Mixon, his son. “The 20-acres next to us was his playground.”


Bill Mixon purchased his first grove at the age of 16. (Photo courtesy: Janet Mixon)

Mr. Mixon and his parents started Mixon Fruit Farms in 1939 and he bought his first grove at the age of 16.

Over the years, the family added a gift shop to their business and turned their groves into a tourist destination.

Mixon was born in Bradenton on May 26, 1928. He was a third generation Floridian.


Bill Mixon and his wife, Mary, were married in 1949 until her death in 2009. (Photo courtesy: Janet Mixon)

He was a lifetime member of Manatee United Methodist Church. He met his wife Mary at the church at the age of four and won her heart with Juicy Fruit gum. 

They were married in 1949. Mary passed away in 2009.

He was Director and past President of the Manatee County Farm Bureau, Board member of Florida Citrus Mutual, founding member of the Florida Gift Fruit Shippers Association.

He is survived by his son’s Don Mixon (Kathy) of Saluda NC., and Dean Mixon (Janet) of Anna Maria, Florida; grandchildren Stephen Mixon (Rachael), Lori Mixon Swindle (Josh), Rick Permuy, Julie Busa (Heath), Kaycee Huber; great grandchildren, Aubrey Mixon, Brinkley and Bryce Busa and Sullivan Huber.

Bill’s celebration of life will be held at Manatee United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. on Friday, February 12th at 315 15th St. E., Bradenton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association.