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.
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