Carl James Norfleet was born in Aripeka, FL, on January 9, 1942 and died on February 17, 2023 at age 81.  Carl lived in Aripeka his entire life, running The Store (Norfleet Fish Camp) from age 16.  He also fought to keep the Aripeka Post Office active when the government closed it briefly a few years back.

Carl met and married Mary Ann Veasey from Okeechobee, FL while she was working in Brooksville.  They celebrated their 50 year anniversary before her death May 8, 2018.  They adopted a daughter, Meridy Leverne who married Julius Mendoza and they gave Carl and Mary Ann three grandchildren.  James Carl, Sarah Daisy, and Jonathan David Norfleet-Mendoza have been a delight for Carl to tease and cherish.

There is a large population of Norfleet’s in the small town of Aripeka.  Born to Verne and Bertha (Kolb) Norfleet, he was one of seven children.  John is the oldest and Joe is the youngest son with both surviving.  Four are already deceased.  Verna Mae Sloan (July 2011), Betty Jean Millard (Feb 2017), Carol Ann  White (Sept 2017), and Wayne (Dec 2020).

The seven Norfleet children all attended Pierce Elementary and Gulf High School in New Port Richey.  Their Daddy was able to drive the school bus, while their Mother handled The Store customers.  The school bus started in Aripeka, being the most northwestern part of Pasco County.  Their bus ride took them to Moon Lake, then Elfers, before going to the school each day, an hour or more bus ride for the Norfleet kids.  At least they did not need to wear shoes, and their homework was complete by the time they were back home.  For a perspective of the size of Pasco County in that era, the graduating class of Gulf High School in 1956 consisted of 28 students.

Carl was known as the “Mayor of Aripeka.”  He loved long walks, going 5 miles daily for many years.  Being in wooded areas on his walks, he was one of the first to develop Lyme Disease.  The doctors in the area denied that he could possibly have it, since it is a Northern disease.  It progressed a long way before he was able to get treatment.  The family and a lot of high school friends enjoyed meeting at the Wildlife Preserve to walk in the morning twice a week and then go to the Breakfast Nook for nourishment.  Carl always joined as the tradition continued without the walk and without the Breakfast Nook now.

Carl was a Notary so many residents of Aripeka can say that he married them, often in front of the register with a customer waiting in line.  For a side adventure, Carl became a Real Estate Broker, with Mary Ann getting her Real Estate license along with him.  Carl was called on often to say a eulogy for a resident.  He would go to a thrift store to buy an appropriate looking suit for the occasion, then donate it back afterwards.  The Sheriffs Ranch and St. Vincent DePaul thrift stores have lost a valued customer.

In Aripeka, Carl always had a large orange grove to share with the community.  He also loved to grill things in front of the Store and give a good meal to anyone passing by.  As did his Daddy before him, Carl always had time at The Store to have a long conversation with anyone coming by.  The family never heard of anyone beating Carl in a game of chess.  He was proud to teach his two grandsons the game so he could challenge them.  Carl enjoyed irritating Mary Ann in the morning by working the daily crossword puzzle and inserting every other letter to the blocks; then handing it to Mary Ann to complete.  She was an avid quilter and each time he teased her she would say, “that just cost you a fat quarter” of material.

Carl joined with his brothers Wayne and Joe to become a member of the Aripeka Elks Lodge.  He loved the Elks breakfast twice a month because it is inexpensive and quality food.  Then he would join a group of widows for the fun game of Bar Poker.  There was always a tab at the bar where your drink order was covered by Carl.  All the ladies will miss his deep voice announcing “hello darlin’  “ as he arrived.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that a donation be made to the Aripeka Community Club, P.O. Box 611, Aripeka, FL 34679.  The Community Club and Library are 501C charities, so all donations are tax deductible.  These two buildings have been in the town for well over 50 years and are continuing to be very active.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 19^th, at Aripeka Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. with graveside service at Aripeka Cemetery.  At 5:00 p.m. The Store will be open for music and food to celebrate Carl’s life.