Thomas "Tom" Patrick Prince

Thomas Patrick “Tom” Prince passed away on Friday, March 17th which was his birthday. Tom turned 78 the day he passed. Tom was born in St, Louis, MO on March 17th , 1945 to his now deceased parents, Joe & Hazel Prince. He is also predeceased by his brother, Jimmy Prince (widow Ann). Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, horseback riding and playing sports growing up all over the U.S. Tom’s family moved numerous times and finally settled in Winter Park where Tom graduated from Winter Park High School in 1963. After high school, Tom attended Stetson University where he met his beloved wife Selby. He graduated from Stetson with a degree in Business Administration before joining the Army and becoming a pilot where he learned to fly planes and helicopters. Tom served as a helicopter Pilot in Vietnam and flew for the Black Cats where he made many lifelong friendships. More recently, Tom enjoyed catching up with his friends at reunions with the Black Cats. The same year Tom left the Army as a Captain in 1971, he obtained an MBA from Georgia Southern College and joined Merrill Lynch as a Broker in Orlando, Florida. Tom joined Days Inns of America soon after its founding. His family owned and operated motels in Tom’s youth which provided excellent training for his career at Days Inns. Days Inns became one of the largest Limited-Service Hotel chains in America where Tom was instrumental in development, financing and hotel management for the company. When Tom left Days Inns of America to form Prince Bush Investments, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer. He later formed Prince Bush Investments (now Prince Bush Hotels, Inc.) with his partner and good friend, Robert C. Bush (Bob) who remains partners with Tom and his family to this day. Tom and Bob developed, owned and operated numerous hotels and later branched out into all types of commercial real estate. At Tom’s passing, he was deeply involved in Ave Maria University which was one of his passions. Over Tom’s 10 years as Trustee, he served on the finance, investment, audit and athletic committees. Tom and Selby were primary donors to the Thomas and Selby Prince Building on campus. Tom also has a business scholarship at Stetson University named in honor of his father, Joseph C. Prince which is still active and growing to this day. Tom was an avid sportsman and all-around guy’s guy. In addition to his love of hunting, skiing, golfing, car racing, and running he cherished all the good times and memories made on his fishing boat, the “Caribbean Soul” with family and friends. Tom’s legacy will live on at the Seven Angels Ranch named after his seven grandchildren in Paradise Valley, Montana where anyone was always welcome to come relax, have a drink and enjoy the hospitality that he was always known for. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Selby J. Prince, His daughter Michelle P. Olson, (husband, Patrick Olson) son Joseph S. Prince, Grandchildren, Selby Olson (27), Audrey Olson (25) Joseph Olson (23), Hunter Prince (23), Maxwell Olson (22), Thomas Prince (21) and Joelle Prince (19). A memorial service will be held at St. Margaret Mary Church at 526 North Park Avenue in Winter Park, FL 32789 at 11:00 AM, Monday, March 27th . In Lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to: Ave. Maria University donate.avemaria.edu

Thomas "Tom" Patrick Prince

March 17, 1945 - March 17, 2023