Obituary: Robert Lowell Teal

(Robert) Lowell Teal, born Jan. 5, 1933, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.

Born on Dillard Street, he was one of the remaining Winter Garden natives and was known as a pillar of our community. His childhood was spent herding cattle as a part of his family’s business and eventually became involved in the booming citrus industry.

He was a graduate of the University of Florida College of Agriculture and remained a loyal Gator throughout his life.

His career began by representing citrus growers and other producers via an agricultural marketing organization. He later established a consulting firm with his associate and close friend, Lester Austin. This venture evolved into a real estate sales group, now known as Austin Teal Corporation.

Lowell marked his momentous career by participating in several organizations, including Southern Industrial Relations, Orange County Farm Bureau and the National Speakers Association, just to name a few; the latter of these acted as a stepping stone to his most cherished passion  — writing. Beginning with “how-to” books about balancing career and family (“A Happy Heart is a Good Medicine” and “Company Stewardship”), Lowell dedicated his later years to depicting “a heart-warming story of an early Florida family” through his five-part historical fiction series, “Bath Pond”. The first installment of the series was awarded 2006 Best Florida Fiction by the Florida Publishers Association.

A member since birth (and therefore its longest serving congregant), Lowell was a dedicated steward of the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden and cared deeply for his brothers and sisters in Christ.

Throughout his illustrious life, Lowell’s greatest treasure and proudest achievement remains his family. He is predeceased by his parents, Paul and Robbye, and his brother, Hilton. He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Jackie; his beloved children, Robyne Hunnicutt and husband, Jim, and Martha Ficquette and husband, John; and his grandchildren, Ali Veech and Rob Hunnicutt and wife, Taylor. His abundant love for his family extended to his nieces and nephews, all bearing the Teal family name: Julia, Janet, Billy and wife, Barbara, Paul and wife, Laura, Jackson and wife, Lauren, Hunter, Robbye, Hilton, Walker and Vivi.

His final “Bath Pond” installment is titled “Going Home: A life fulfilled helping others”; Lowell Teal has done just that, and is what his family and friends will remember as his lasting legacy.

A celebration of life service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden (125 N. Lakeview Ave, Winter Garden, FL 34787) at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. All are welcome.