Walter Wilson Council was born on September 12, 1920, in the Palm View area of Northern Manatee County. His parents, Charles and Verter, were farmers. Walter worked on the farm with his family, where he gained his knowledge and love for agriculture. He attended area schools and graduated from Palmetto High School in 1939.
While attending high school, Walter played sports and lettered in football during his senior year. Also, in 1939, he worked with the agriculture teacher, T.P. Winter, and other students to apply for the initial charter for the Palmetto FFA Chapter. When the charter was granted, he was elected as its first Vice President.
After Walter graduated from high school, he began working full-time on the family farm. Three years later, in October 1942, he married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Lee Jones. Soon after his wedding, he answered the call to duty by joining the US Navy. During his tour of service, he was a radioman in a Navy aviation unit until the end of WWII.
After the war, Walter returned to the family farm and began working with his brother, Paul. In 1952, they founded Man-Tee-Co Veg Farms. They were soon recognized by the Manatee Soil and Water Conservation with a Conservation Award (1953) for work with ‘Seepage Irrigation”. In addition to his application of innovative techniques on the farm, he also served his community, especially in the local school system. He was appointed a Manatee County School Trustee in 1948 and elected to the Manatee County School Board from 1954 until 1966, serving as board chairman for the last five years. During his time on the school board, he worked courageously to increase the quality of the teaching staff, buildings, and facilities in an inclusive way regardless of political consequences.
In 1955, Mr. Council began work with Southern Agricultural Insecticides. He chose this field because he could use his extensive experience and training as a farmer to work with and help producers. He enjoyed the challenges of an ever-changing industry: helping local growers use the latest agricultural techniques and products. He shared his knowledge by writing articles for several agricultural magazines and speaking to farming organizations. In 1980, Mr. Council and Wade Oxford founded their own agricultural business, Council Oxford, Inc. located in Ruskin, FL. The business was based on hard work, strong relationships with their clients and flexibility. Mr. Council ran the company until his death in 2010, providing supplies and advice to growers in Hillsborough and Manatee Counties.
Walter Council was a lifelong agriculturalist and advisor to growers in Manatee County and a dedicated public servant who helped shape the county school system. He lived his life with dignity and honor. He and his wife, Marjorie raised three children Diane, Sharon, and David, two of whom still reside in Manatee County. David continues to operate Council Oxford in Ruskin.
Mr. Council will be inducted into the Manatee County Hall of Fame at a luncheon being held on Wed, November 13 at the First United Methodist Church of Palmetto. The luncheon is free, thanks to our sponsor, Mosaic. If you would like to attend, you must register at: https://qrco.de/FarmCityLuncheon
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