Goff, Wayne

 

Wayne Goff was a prominent builder and developer known throughout Charlotte County for his generous contributions to many organizations in the community.  He was instrumental in the startup of the Punta Gorda History Center. 

Wayne was a fourth-generation descendant of the Goff family who were original settlers of Englewood. A 1957 graduate, he was class president and played football, basketball and baseball at Charlotte High School; he remained an active CHS supporter throughout his lifetime. Wayne graduated from the University of Florida, College of Planning, Design, and Construction. He began his career with E. I. DuPont, then formed Goff Construction, Inc. in 1960; it is Charlotte County's first State Certified Class "A" general contractor.

Wayne was a builder/developer of Punta Gorda Isles (1970-1984), and owner and President of Church Growth & Building Consultants. He donated his services as general contractor for many churches, the Performing Arts Center, Habitat for Humanity Punta Gorda, the Punta Gorda History Center and for the construction of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Punta Gorda. He was instrumental in advancing Port Charlotte "U", an adult education school for retired residents, into the Cultural Center of Charlotte County.  He served with First Baptist Churches of Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, Peace River Baptist Association, Florida Baptist Convention, Southern Baptist Convention, Economic Development Council, Punta Gorda Rotary Club, Englewood Area Historical Museum, Charlotte High School Boosters, and Tidewell Hospice.

Wayne was married to his wife, Donna, for over fifty years. They raised three children: Keith,  Karen and Karla.

Naylor, Robert C. "Bob"

 

Robert C. "Bob" Naylor Jr. was born on September 9, 1944, in New York, but spent much of his adult life residing in and dedicated to Punta Gorda.

Bob began his career as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he devoted over 35 years to Punta Gorda, initially serving as a volunteer firefighter. His commitment led to roles as a full-time firefighter, fire marshal, and ultimately fire chief. Additionally, he demonstrated his dedication to civic engagement through longstanding participation with the Punta Gorda Kiwanis Club—holding positions such as Treasurer and President—and through his leadership in organizing Punta Gorda's annual fireworks events for many years.

Bob was admired and loved by those who knew him for his kindness and spirit of adventure evidenced by his passion for travel especially riding on his Harley.

Bob and Christine Naylor were married for over ten years before he passed away last year.  He was father to Amy (Kim) Runkle, Tracy and Lois Naylor; grandfather to Casey, Mikal, Danielle, Ryan, and Becky; and great-grandfather to Bradleigh, Kyal and Malachi   He also had a stepdaughter, Lori. 

 

 

Lazzell, Rufus C.

Rufus C. Lazzell was a decorated U.S. Army Brigadier General who, after retirement, became one of Punta Gorda’s most influential civic leaders, serving as Mayor and a driving force behind numerous community projects. Bon on March 29, 1929, in Huntington, West Virginia, he lived a life defined by service, leadership, and community dedication. For thirty years he served in the U.S. Army Infantry, with tours in Korea and Vietnam, earning numerous honors including the Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars, three Legion of Merit awards, two Silver Stars, and the Army Distinguished Service Medal

After retiring from the Army, Lazzell moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, where he embarked on a second career as a civic leader and volunteer. He served on the Punta Gorda City Council and was elected Mayor, remembered for his strong leadership and vision for the city. He organized “Rufus’s Raiders,” a volunteer group that bricked streets in downtown Punta Gorda, leaving a lasting mark on the city’s historic character. His influence extended into cultural life as Commodore of the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, President of the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, and as the first inductee into the Military Heritage Museum’s Wall of Warriors.

Rufus Lazzell’s role in Punta Gorda was defined by his commitment to civic improvement and cultural enrichment. He transformed his military discipline into civic leadership, helping shape the city’s identity as a vibrant, historic, and community-driven place.  He left behind a legacy of both military valor and civic dedication that continues to inspire Punta Gorda residents today.

Rountree, Edgar Wesley

 Edgar Wesley Rountree was born on January 12, 1879, in Greenwood, Jackson County, Florida, to J.R. and Lula Rountree. In 1904, he married Lillian Alabama “Bama” Ward in Pinkard, Alabama. Together they had three sons: Edwin Wesley, William Erwin, and Richard Elvin.

Edgar began his career with the Florida Southern Railway as a depot agent in Gordon, Alabama. When the railway was acquired by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, he was transferred to Punta Gorda, Florida, in 1908. There, he worked as the freight agent and became the first station manager at the Punta Gorda Depot, performing duties as ticket agent, baggage handler, and telegraph operator.

Beyond his railroad work, Edgar invested in Punta Gorda’s growth. He purchased multiple properties in town.  He also establish a Coca-Cola bottling franchise in Punta Gorda, building a plant at Elizabeth and Allen Streets. His sons ran the business: Erwin managed the machinery, while Ebby oversaw distribution and customer relations.

Edgar was very active in civic organizations including being a charter member of the Punta Gorda Kiwanis, a Worthy Master Mason, President of the Chamber, School Board Member and city commissioner reflecting his leadership and community involvement.

Moss, Calvin

 Calvin P. Moss was a lifelong member of the Punta Gorda, Florida community whose passion for music shaped generations of students and enriched the cultural life of his hometown. Born on June 12, 1926, in Richmond, Virginia, he moved with his family to Punta Gorda in 1928—a place he grew to love and never left.

He graduated from Charlotte High School before serving his country in the Pacific Theater with the United States Navy during World War II. After his military service, he pursued advanced musical training at the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland, deepening the talent and dedication that would become the hallmark of his life’s work.

Calvin returned to Punta Gorda to begin a distinguished 30-year career teaching vocal music in the Charlotte County Public School System. Through his instruction, encouragement, and enthusiasm, he influenced three generations of students, many of whom carried an enduring love of music into their own lives. Beyond the classroom, he was a devoted piano teacher, choir director, and frequent performer at community events, touching countless lives with his artistry and mentorship.

A man devoted not only to his craft but also to his family, Calvin shared 57 years of marriage with his wife, Arlina. Together, they raised two daughters, Elizabeth and Laura, and celebrated the joy of their granddaughter, Sarah.

Calvin Moss passed away on September 28, 2012, at the age of 86, after a short illness. His legacy lives on in the voices he trained, the music he shared, and the community he served for more than eight decades.

Brandon, Ralph

 

Baker, Gussie Peeples

 

Gussie Peeples Baker, always a Punta Gordan, was born on January 2, 1936 in Punta Gorda and lived her early years on Marion Avenue above the IGA Grocery store owned by her parents. Her parents named her Gussie, after her Grandfather Gus Cole, her mother’s father.  It didn’t take long for Gussie, a sixth-generation Floridian, to know her hometown’s main street - Marion Ave.  At the age of two she wandered away from home on her own, where her parents found her at the Church on Harvey Street – she had decided to go to Sunday school on her own.    And it was that determination to set out and accomplish things on her own, that she has demonstrated throughout her years in Punta Gorda.

Gussie graduated from Charlotte High School in 1954, where she was the head majorette and key player on the basketball team.  She attended Florida State University before returning to marry her high school sweetheart, Dale Russell Baker, on June 10, 1956.  They raised three children, and were blessed with eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

Keenly interested in her town’s history, she was a keeper of many of its memories, compiling scrapbooks, saving photos and other memorabilia, most of which are now at the Punta Gorda History Center.   In addition to educating newcomers, especially new mayors and city managers on Punta Gorda history, she was one of the founding members of the Punta Gorda History Center and an active board member. 

Gussie was also president of the group that organized the first Punta Gorda Block Party, and in the process formed the “Old Timers” Organization, which continued to contribute to charitable efforts over the years.  For twenty-three years she served on the Police Retirement Board, after she helped initiate the retirement plan for the City’s police department. 

Throughout her life, Gussie, was known only by her first name throughout town.  Her energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to give her all for the city she loved was a gift to Punta Gorda.