John Monroe Stitt

John Monroe Stitt lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. A devoted husband, father, beloved Papaw, mentor, and friend, he touched countless lives with his steady guidance, generous spirit, and deep love for those around him.

Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1938, John moved with his family to South Florida at an early age, settling in Miami Springs. As a teenager, he helped his father develop family land near Clewiston into a thriving cattle operation—an experience that sparked a lifelong dedication to agriculture and stewardship of the land.

After graduating from Clewiston High School, John earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Animal Production from Texas A&M University. Following service in the Air Force Reserve, he returned home in 1964 to manage the family ranch, beginning a career that reflected both hard work and deep commitment to Florida agriculture.

John and his wife, Sandra, built a loving home and raised three daughters, all of whom were involved in ranch life. He was known for offering wise counsel—often delivered with animated “encouragement”—and for showing up wholeheartedly for his family. Whether driving the ski boat, chaperoning livestock judging trips, attending horse shows, or helping wrangle show steers at the county fair, John created memories that his family will cherish for generations.

As the years passed, cattle operations evolved into sugarcane and citrus farming, yet John’s role as a steward of the land and advocate for South Florida agriculture remained constant. He was deeply respected throughout the agricultural community for both his leadership and vision. Outside of work, his greatest joy was fishing, and some of his happiest memories were made on trips to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas with family and dear friends.

John gave generously of his time and talents to his community. A faithful and active member of First Methodist Church of Clewiston for more than 60 years, he also helped organize the South Florida Agricultural Council and played an instrumental role in establishing the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center. He held many leadership positions in the county and state Florida Cattlemen’s Association, was a trustee of Florida SouthWestern State College, and was an active supporter of the local and state Florida Farm Bureau. In 2022, he was inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame.

John is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sandra Willis Stitt; his daughters, Jennifer Stitt Mays and her husband, Steve Mays, and Rachel Stitt DeMay and her husband, David DeMay; and his cherished grandchildren, Madison DeMay, Luke Mays, Allison Mays, and Jackson DeMay.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Tillman Stitt and Christova Sawyer Stitt; his sister, Elizabeth Stitt Johnstone; and his daughter, Melissa Stitt.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m. at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clewiston, followed by a gathering at the First Methodist Church of Clewiston.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the First Methodist Church of Clewiston.