by Michele Gillis
Staff Writer
The Northeast Florida real estate community honored one of its more recognizable figures last month as part of the George Linville Memorial Open Golf Tournament.
Close to 50 golfers showed up at San Jose Country Club ready to play in memory of Linville, a longtime Realtor, mortgage broker and civic leader in Northeast Florida until his death in 2009. He also served as a past president of the Florida Association of Realtors.
“George Linville served as a Women’s Council of Realtors member for many years,” said Janna Thomas, president of the Jacksonville WCR. “His unique contribution to our local chapter, both in knowledge and experience, has been and will remain immeasurable. In addition, the Linville Family has graciously shared the San Jose Country Club facility with our chapter for so many years, that the board felt that it was extremely fitting to hold a golf tournament in his honor at that location.”
Linville never did anything in a small way. He was always smiling, laughing and making everyone around him feel like the most important people in the world.
“I think George would be extremely delighted and exhilarated about this type of event,” said Thomas. “The George Linville Memorial Open Golf Tournament has helped to establish a new Jacksonville Chapter Scholarship Fund. The Linville Fund offers financial assistance for educational courses to our local chapter members thus enhancing their professional leadership abilities with the resources and infrastructure necessary to fulfill our organizations mission.”
Many who attended the tournament wore red in honor of Linville who loved to wear his red sport jacket and USA flag tie to show his dedication to his country.
First place winners of the tournament were Jim Delvecchio, Tom Reber and Del Parkinson of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and Ed St. John - American Priority Mortgage.
“The WCR Jacksonville Chapter has held successful golf tournaments for many years,” said Thomas. “The dedication of our golf tournament to George Linville and his family began in 2010 and will continue to be an annually held event.”