John Ray Altizer

John Ray Altizer, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, educator, and lifelong
advocate for agricultural education, passed away peacefully at home on December 18, 2025,
in Plant City, Florida, at the age of 91.
Born on June 5, 1934, in Landville, West Virginia, to Willis Garland Altizer and Martha Vance
Altizer, John grew up with a profound love for the Lord and a respect for the rewards of hard
work. From 1953–1957, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital
Corpsman with the Marine Corps. Following his military service, he earned a Bachelor’s
Degree in Biology from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia,—the first in his
family to go to college— and later obtained his Agriculture Teaching Certificate from the
University of Florida in Gainesville.
On April 5, 1958, John married the love of his life, Linda Mae Wise Altizer. Together they built
a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and mutual devotion. Two years later, and with $80 to
their name, John and Linda left West Virginia to start a new life in Plant City, Florida. It was
here that John established himself as a pillar of the community and embarked on a teaching
career that spanned more than 40 years and impacted countless students. His work was
widely recognized across the State of Florida and culminated in his induction into the Florida
FFA Hall of Fame in 2023.
A devoted family man known for his warm smile, gentle wisdom, and generous spirit, he
loved listening to gospel music. He found joy in gardening, fishing and tending his plant
nursery. He tended to his family with the same patience, devotion, and care that he gave to
his land. Over the years, John and Linda opened their home to friends and relatives spanning
generations—from parents to grandchildren—always ensuring there was room for family and
those needing the security of a loving, Christ-centered home.
John Altizer was guided by his faith and the comforting promise of Isaiah 41:10—“Fear not,
for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I
will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” His legacy of kindness, dedication, and
inspiration will continue to grow in the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever
remembered.
John is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Linda Mae Wise Altizer; his children, Charles
“Charlie” Altizer, Eddie Altizer (Tammy), Clifford “Cliff” Altizer (Kim), and Lana Smith (Chuck);
10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren (with one on the way) and 1 great-great grandchild
on the way, and his sister, Joyce Bond.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis Garland Altizer and Martha Vance Altizer, his
sister, Janice Altizer and brother, Bill Altizer.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at Plant City High School on Saturday, January 17 th ,
2026 at 2:00 in the afternoon.