Libraries connect us to a wealth of stories — both on the shelves and in the lives of the people who support them. One of those stories is that of tennis great and Orlando native, Roger Pharr, an avid library user with deep roots in the community.
A lifelong Orlando resident, Pharr was born in the Conway area on June 13, 1930, to Wendell Woodward Pharr and Lillian Louise Spurgeon. He attended Orlando High School, located in what is now Howard Middle School, and joined the Honor Society, laying the foundation for a life of learning and accomplishment.
At 15, he picked up a tennis racket at the Orlando Tennis Center, sparking a lifelong love affair with the sport. After high school, Pharr continued his education at the University of Florida. His involvement in tennis blossomed during his college years, and he became a standout member of the men’s tennis team, serving as co-captain in 1952.
For the next 70 years, tennis wasn’t just a game; it was a lifelong pursuit. His dedication to the sport earned him local championships, top national rankings in senior divisions, and a reputation as a fierce competitor with unwavering commitment and a sharp mind.
Pharr was actively involved with the United States Tennis Association of Florida (USTA). His achievements are documented in its yearbooks, showcasing his Florida rankings and the various committees he served on. In 1980, he received the Exceptional Male Player (Adult/Senior Division) Award, and in 1991, he was inducted into the USTA Florida Hall of Fame. In October 2016, the Roger Pharr Tennis Classic was named in his honor and held at the Orlando Tennis Center.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Pharr was well known for his love of the library. He joined the Friends of the Orange County Library System in 1987 and was a familiar face at the Orlando Public Library downtown. He was well known for his regular visits to pursue his love of reading and lifelong learning.
When Pharr passed away in 2022, he left an extraordinary gift to honor his mother, Lillian Louise Pharr. He left the bulk of his estate to the Friends, creating an endowment to support the library’s work. The Lillian Louise Pharr Author Series was established through this generous donation, enabling the library to bring exceptional authors and meaningful conversations to the Orlando community.
Please join us at An Evening with John Green and help us make this new author series a meaningful tribute to a man whose contributions to Orlando and our library will not be forgotten.
