Posted on 03/03/2023 1:18:55 PM PST by Red Badger
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Philanthropist and businessman Lewis Bear Jr. passed away early Friday morning at the age of 82.
Lewis Bear Jr. served as the president and CEO of the Lewis Bear Company, a company that his great-grandfather, Lewis Bear, founded in 1876.
Bear and his wife, Belle Bear, were heavily involved in Pensacola's community and have been giving back to local non-profit organizations for over two decades.
In 2002, Lewis Bear Jr. founded "The Bear Family Foundation."
Since its inception, the foundation has given back millions of dollars to organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, The Arc Gateway, Autism Pensacola, Take Stock in Children, and over 100 others.
In 2021, the Baptist Health Care Foundation announced their new health center on Brent Lane and I-110 would be named The Bear Family Foundation Health Center.
That announcement came after The Bear Family Foundation made a $4.5 million donation to the Baptist Health Care Foundation, the largest donation in family foundation's history.
Courtesy Baptist Health Care
Baptist Health Care President and CEO Mark Faulkner shared this statement following Bear Jr.'s passing:
The Bear Family is a tremendous partner to our community and to Baptist Health Care. We are deeply saddened by Mr. Bear’s passing and send our heartfelt condolences to the Bear Family. We are grateful to honor the legacy of service and philanthropy he leaves behind in naming the Bear Family Foundation Health Center at our new campus. Pensacola State College President Ed Meadows also shared a statement following Bear Jr.'s passing:
My sincere condolences to the Bear family in their loss. Lewis Bear was the driving force behind so many progressive initiatives that have made Northwest Florida a better place to work, live and enjoy. His philosophy and vision for economic prosperity for Northwest Florida were evident in his long-time support of Pensacola State College and our mission for workforce development and training. His and his family's generosity has positively impacted the lives of countless individuals and families. One part of his legacy is the family he leaves behind to carry on the good work of making our world a better place. Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis shared this statement as well:
Heaven got a good one. A pioneer of FL biz, Lewis Bear Jr. was generous & kind. He led the longest family owned Anheuser-Busch distributor in the nation & my family had the honor of working with him 50+ years. My heart goes out to Belle, David, Lewis III, & Cindi. Rest in Peace. Bear Jr. leaves behind his wife, three children, and four grandchildren.
More on this great man:
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/lewis-bear-jr-one-pensacolas-140116211.html
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