Everett “Ed” Colby of Lecanto, FL died on October 10, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Florence Colby, his brother James Jr., and his very special son, Everett Jr.
Everett attended Brooklyn Tech High School where he starred in baseball and as a Senior was Captain of the Basketball team. In 1956, Everett attended The Citadel and thus began a life-long love affair with his school and Charleston, South Carolina. He was a four-year starting pitcher, and as a senior was Captain of the Southern Conference Champion and Nationally ranked baseball team, both first time in Citadel sports history. Everett was proud in later years to be inducted into the Citadel Athletic Hall of Fame.
He received a B.A. in 1960 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. His active-duty began in 1961 when he attended the U.S. Army Officers Infantry School at Fort Benning, and then on to the U.S. Army Intelligence School at Fort Holabird. His subsequent service assignments were Intelligence activities, at the Corps level in the European Theater. He achieved the rank of Captain.
Following active service, Everett returned to New York City in 1965, obtained an MBA in Finance from New York University and began his banking career with Bankers Trust Company on Wall Street. After several Corporate banking assignments in NYC, including a brief stint as President of a small Queens National bank, Everett accepted a position in 1975 with the Barnett Banks of Florida (now Bank of America) and was based in Miami, Florida. Over time he held various Management and Leadership positions, responsible for the bank’s large Corporate, International, and multi-billion-dollar Leasing loan relationships in South Florida. During his time in Miami, Everett served on several private, civic and public Boards of Directors and committees. He was particularly proud to remain over the years Trustee Emeritus of Barry University.
In 1991, Everett and wife, Ann, set off to establish a small bed & breakfast inn, The Colby House, in the historic district of Asheville, North Carolina. The business flourished, became nationally recognized, and was written up in local and national media outlets and many tour guides. In 1998, Everett suffered a major stroke, and health considerations dictated the sale of this cherished business.
In recovery and after serious rehab, he directed his attention to a passion for golf at the Asheville Country Club. At this time, also, Everett directed his energies to volunteer opportunities in Asheville and neighboring Madison County. He relished these activities essentially as an active Charter member and a Paul Harris Fellow of his beloved Rotary Club. His actions led to receiving, in 2005, the North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Also during this time, Everett found time to complete and have published a murder mystery novel, “Face Down and Very Dead” available on Amazon and in several public libraries.
After enjoying several snowbird years in Florida, Everett and Ann finally relocated permanently to Citrus Hills in 2013. Everett was a member of the Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club, the American Legion, Rotary International, and participated in many VFW activities.
Over the years, Everett battled through many health issues as well as several cancer surgeries, always with a great attitude.
Everett is survived by his wife Ann of 50 years and three living children and a daughter-in-law: Charles and wife Diane in San Francisco, CA; Dianna in Citrus Springs, FL; Page and husband Vince in San Marcos, TX; Dawn in Almonte, Canada; niece and husband Suzanne and Tom Ford in Springfield, IL; nephew and wife Bill and Susan Kurz in Sharon, MA; and several cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren: Everett Edward III, Milo, Vincent, Sara, Alisha, Bella, Gaby.
He is accorded full Military Honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnel, FL. A celebration of life and memorial is in the planning stage and will be held at a later date.