Dr. Elton Jake Gissendanner II

Dr. Elton Jake Gissendanner II, resident of Lake Placid, FL passed away peacefully at Good Shepherd Hospice on Friday, September 1, 2023. He was born on November 8, 1927 in Tallahassee, FL and was married to the late Sarah Frances Ruark Gissendanner. He will be buried beside his beloved wife at Woodville Cemetery in Woodville, GA.

Dr. Gissendanner, a veteran of the United Sates Air Force and Georgia Air National Guard, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1955. He opened his first veterinary practice in North Miami, FL in 1956 and practiced veterinary medicine for 65 years, including the establishment of 20 not-for-profit low cost spay and neuter clinics and pro bono service to the Humane Society of Highlands County.

In addition to being a highly respected veterinarian, Dr. Gissendanner dedicated most of his life to public service in Florida. He was elected twice as Mayor of North Miami and worked to preserve 1,700 acres of land that would become Oleta River State Park and the campus of Florida International University. In 1967, Dr. Gissendanner was elected to the Florida House of Representatives where, among his many accomplishments, helped establish the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. In 1979, he joined the administration of Governor Bob Graham serving as Director of the Cabinet and Legislative Affairs Office and subsequently Director of the Department of Natural Resources. His accomplishments as Director of Natural Resources have had lasting impacts on Florida’s environment including the “Save the Everglades” program, the “Save Our Coast” project, and, along with Jimmy Buffet and the Audubon Society, established the “Save the Manatee” Committee in 1980.

He is survived by his children, Julie Rainey, Terri Cantin, Elton “Buddy” Gissendanner III, Christopher Gissendanner, Evie Tilley, eleven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two brothers, Ausley Gissendanner and Clarence Gissendanner.

Graveside Services for Dr. Gissendanner II will be Saturday, September 23, at 10:00 a.m. at the Woodville Cemetery, 1191 Peachtree Avenue E., Woodville, GA 30669.  McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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