Hugh James Oglesby

Hugh James Oglesby was born February 21, 1942 in Dunedin, FL to Winfield Hugh Oglesby and Mae Stevens Oglesby. He died peacefully at home on June 5, 2021 due to complications from lung cancer. The family moved to Lakeland shortly after his birth for his father’s manufacturing job in the war effort. Hugh grew up in Lakeland and was well known for his street rods and drag racing, both on the street and on the track. A veteran of the US Army National Guard, he founded Southern Speed Equipment in the Early ‘60s and professionally drag raced MOPAR powered Plymouth Super Stock drag cars. In 1963 he married the love of his life, Harriet Reese Oglesby (1945-2020) of Bartow, and later joined his father at Southern Machinery Corporation working in the heavy industrial and agricultural fabrication markets. Hugh, with Harriet’s support, grew Southern from the small company his father co-founded in 1946 to a large 55,000sf facility serving numerous customers in the US, Mexico, and South America. Many people Hugh met through business relationships became lifelong friends, hunting companions, and poker buddies, staying close well after his retirement from Southern. Many of those friends and family members spent significant time over the last several months reminiscing with Hugh of fun times past, bonds formed, and life lessons learned. Hugh & Harriet spent a lifetime together raising their children outdoors. Favorite activities included offshore fishing from Port Salerno, FL. & Steinhatchee, FL., camping, fishing, and hunting in Central Florida as well as South Texas. These activities were often shared with their closest friends & family creating memories and bonds that will never be broken. Hugh is preceded in death by Harriet, his loving wife of 56 years; his parents; and his brother, Lee Oglesby. He is survived by his daughter Teri Oglesby Ray (Shawn); and his son Scott Grady Oglesby, both of Lakeland. He is also survived by five grandchildren; Amanda Ray Smith (Josh), Megan Ashlee Ray, Barron Keith Oglesby (Becca), Skylar Anne Oglesby, and Savannah Lynn Oglesby, as well as three great-grandchildren; Bristol Addison Smith, Boone Allen Smith, and Baylor Mays Oglesby. The legacy Hugh leaves for his family includes love of and commitment to family, strong patriotism, aspirations to succeed, a passion for aviation, a love of the outdoors, and an admonition to learn well, being wise enough to not make the same mistake twice. A visitation from 10 to 11 am Monday, June 14, 2021 at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 am at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow, FL. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to your favorite benefit, church, or charity in his memory. Condolences to the Family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com