Haines City - Carl Perin Boozer, 83, of Haines City, Fl. died July 9, 2008 of heart failure. He was born October 16, 1924 in Prosperity, South Carolina. He moved to Florida with his parents when he was 1 year old. He was predeceased by his parents Earl Otis Boozer, Sr. and Annie Mae Gibson Boozer, and his brother Earl O. Boozer, Jr. He is survived by his wife Mary Lee Boozer of sixty one years and his children Sharon Lee Boozer Garrett (David) and Carl Stanley Boozer (Anita).

He graduated from Winter Haven High School. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he received pre-Cadet training for duty with the Army Air Corps. He was commissioned June 27, 1944 in Marianna, Fl. and served 15 months in the European theatre with the 354^th Pioneer Fighter Group. He was a P-51 Mustang pilot and was awarded the air medal for meritorious service in combat flight. He was attached to Pattonʼs 3^rd Army and flew fighter cover for the ground forces. He was in service for 3 ½ years.

After the war he opened a business called Boozerʼs Service & Equipment with his father. The business sold irrigation equipment and Minneapolis Moline tractors. He was also a citrus grower.

In his early years in Winter Haven he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven. He moved to Haines City in 1948. He later became a member of St. Marks Episcopal Church in Haines City. He was a charter member and director of the Rotary Club of Winter Haven North.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale, Florida 33823. Condolences to family:  www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.