Late Philanthropist, Real Estate Titan Bill Demetree Honored with OLN's Lifetime Achievement Award

The Orlando Local News' Best of Central Florida Luncheon recently honored late philanthropist and real estate titan Bill Demetree with the publication's Lifetime Achievement Award. Demetree's daughter Mary Demetree of Demetree Global spoke to his record as a war hero, his character and monumental career at the packed December 3rd luncheon.

War Hero, Real Estate Titan, Philanthropist — Bill Demetree's mark on our community and his service to our nation remain part of a lasting legacy. From the skies of Europe in the Second World War to his role in the establishment of Walt Disney World, Bill Demetree played a critical role in the betterment of our nation and world.

Though Demetree passed in 2006, his legacy lives on. Demetree's humble beginnings in Tallahassee, Florida soon gave way to soaring heights, both literally into the wild blue and figuratively in his real estate career. Prior to his military service, Demetree completed his college education at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

In the US Army Air Force, Demetree carried out his duty with valour and bravery, earning the Soldiers Medal, a Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with Seven Oak Leaf Clusters, the Mediterranean Theatre of War, the Croix De La Victoire de Chevalier, the Croix Allies, the Medaille D'Europe, La Croix du Combattant de l'Europe and Krzuz Zaslugi (Rzeczpospolita Polska) for bravery in saving his crew from their burning plane.

Pictured: Left: Demetree poses in his aircraft during his service in the Second World War. Demetree and Local News founder Roger Swanson formed a friendship in the 1980s, not only around professional activities but also their common service in the Army Air Forces as pilots during World War Two. Right: Bill Demetree and Mary Demetree pose for a picture. Photos: Demetree Global

Following the War, Demetree witnessed the needs for his fellow veterans to attain affordable housing. And so, with his innately enterprising spirit, the young entrepreneur set his sights on the development of these homes, and eventually offices, apartments, hotels, downtown high rises and luxury resorts.

Perhaps the most formative moment for Demetree's career came during the 1960s as Walt Disney sought out a new location for his Florida theme parks. Through his keen business savvy and unique sense of real estate, Demetree helped to broker deals to make those dreams come true — dreams which today have brought millions of people quality time and happiness with their friends, family and loved ones in Orlando, Florida.

But his ventures didn't end in Orlando. Demetree expanded his reach internationally as far and wide as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

Though his global expansion took him around the world, Bill Demetree maintained his hometown relationships and frequented the University Club, the Country Club of Orlando and the Citrus Club where he visited with his many friends on a regular basis. Despite his massively successful career, Demetree never lost his down to Earth touch and sense of proportion.

Throughout his life, Demetree enjoyed an active hand in philanthropy and the community, most significantly as a stalwart supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida, Central Florida, donating large swaths of land to the organization in a campaign to provide better conditions for underprivileged children and adolescents. He also served as a member of the Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and the Knights of Columbus.

A lifelong Catholic, Demetree's faith permeated every aspect of his being and he regularly attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. His countless awards demonstrate Demetree's personal integrity and love for serving those around him.

Today, his family carries on the family legacy, with his daughter Mary L. Demetree at the controls. Mary Demetree's own history in the family business began at a young age as she learned from her father. It wasn't an easy hike to the summit. As a woman, Mary Demetree overcame a wide array of obstacles on the road to mastering the business of real estate and opened the door for many more to join her ranks.

Graduating from the University of Alabama, Demetree returned to Winter Park in the 1980s where she further cultivated her skills. In the 1990s, Demetree assumed command and growth has mounted exponentially. Like her father Bill, Mary Demetree carries a strong Christian faith in her heart and encourages anyone with the willpower and talent to pursue real estate and development as a career: "If you think you've got the God-given talent, don't be afraid to use it, we are supposed to give our gifts to the world."

Held at the Bay Hil Club, the luncheon also honored Central Florida's best local businesses as well as former US Senator Mel Martinez with a Lifetime Achievement Award, zooming in from Washington D.C. Also in attendance were a slew of current and former elected officials including former Congressman John L. Mica, recipient of last year's Lifetime Achievement Award, along with his wife Pat Mica.

The publication established the Roger S. Swanson Lifetime Achievement Award as a means to honor the legacy of Roger S. Swanson, founding Editor of the Local News, by highlighting the momentous lifetime achievements of two extraordinary men or women. His founding of the Local News followed a distinguished career in media and public relations that began in the US Army Air Force, where he also served as a pilot and navigator, and eventually took him to the Kansas City Star where he served as Travel Editor and Sunday Editor. Later, Swanson moved to Florida where he served as Vice President of Public Relations at Walt Disney World. He then branched out into broadcast news on Channels 9 and 6 in Orlando before founding The Local News. Swanson passed away on May 7, 2020 in Winter Garden, FL.