HAINES CITY - Leonas "Bee" Dicks, 83, of Haines City, died on August 16, 2009, following a stroke.

He was born April 23, 1926 in Lulu, Florida, the last surviving of nine children born to John and Lillie Dicks. Bee moved to Winter Haven as a child and developed a lifetime interest in citrus. He learned the business from the ground up, benefiting from the loving mentorship of Mr. H.B. "Pete" Snively. Bee proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, as a member of the 13th armored division, under the command of General Patton.

Following World War II, Bee founded a citrus business "L. Dicks, Inc." of Dundee.

He worked with his sons, Rick, Ronnie, Dennie, and grandsons, Todd and Randy, to develop a respected family citrus company; growing, harvesting and marketing citrus.  He loved agriculture and took great pride in beautifully maintained groves. Bee also diversified into watermelons, supplying Publix for many years. He served on the Dundee City Commission, the Board of Directors of the State Bank of Haines City, Flagship and First Union Banks. He was a member of the 13th Armored Division Association and American Legion Post 8.

Bee believed in the integrity of the business handshake, counting many growers and customers as lifelong friends. He had a strong work ethic and enjoyed life to the fullest with family and friends. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Bee is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Shirley Jackson Dicks; their cherished dog, Ginger; his three sons; Richard Dicks (Jo), Ronald Dicks and Dennis Dicks (Susan); grandchildren, Rebecca Henderson, Jill Bishop, Jeff, Todd, Randy, Adam, Bryan, Michael, Amanda, Stephen and Kasey Dicks; 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, 6 brothers, 2 sisters; and granddaughter, Andrea Dicks Hartley.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2009 at the Haines City Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, with interment following at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 21, 2009 from

 6-8 p.m. at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Haines City.

Memorials may be made to: Community Hospice, The McGraw Center, 4715 Worrall Way, Jacksonville, Florida 32224