Three Generations Strong
The Renfroe Family Story![]()
First Generation
J.W. Renfroe Sr. began his journey in the pecan industry during the 1930s in Troy, Alabama, buying and selling in-shell pecans. With a strong work ethic and a commitment to quality, he built trusted relationships with processors and major food companies across the United States.
Under his leadership, the business steadily grew into one of the largest wholesalers of in-shell pecans in the country. J.W. Renfroe Sr.’s vision and dedication laid the foundation for what would become a multi-generational family legacy—a name synonymous with excellence in the pecan industry.
Second Generation
J.W. (Jake) Renfroe Jr. grew up in his father’s business, and in the mid 1950’s, he moved his young family to Florida to open a pecan buying facility in Pensacola, as pecan production and growing conditions were good in North Florida and coastal counties of South Alabama.
As a business owner, Jake Renfroe Jr. believed in treating everyone with dignity and respect, whether it was a neighborhood teen selling ten pounds of pecans or a farmer delivering ten thousand. He never asked an employee to do something he wouldn’t do himself. During the holidays, his favorite tradition was greeting customers in the store and handing out samples of fudge, sharing joy and sweetness with everyone who walked through the door.
In the mid-1970s, the Renfroe family expanded the business by constructing a pecan shelling and processing plant next to the buying warehouse and gift shop. Lillian Renfroe (Lil), Jake Jr.’s wife, took the helm of this new facility. Her leadership introduced two major developments: a mail-order program and shelled pecans for fundraising organizations. This evolution marked a pivotal turning point for the business, laying the foundation for the next generation to carry the legacy forward.
Third Generation
In true family tradition, the next generation stepped up. Jake Renfroe III and Dee Renfroe, son and daughter of Jake Renfroe Jr. and Lil, assumed leadership roles in the growing company. At the same time, Jake Renfroe Jr. and nephew Geoff Hamil built one of the largest in-shell pecan accumulation and brokerage operations in the industry.
For years, Renfroe Pecan Company was recognized as the nation’s largest accumulator of pecans, serving as a trusted supplier to commercial shellers and food processors across the country.
After Jake Renfroe III’s retirement, Dee Renfroe became the driving force behind the company’s continued evolution. As general manager, she led the transformation of Renfroe’s into a nationally recognized brand. She oversaw retail growth, mail-order expansion, and the development of holiday gift offerings. With tireless dedication, business savvy, and heartfelt passion, Dee helped turn Renfroe Pecan into a Pensacola landmark and a beloved part of the community.
The Family Tradition Continues
Today, the Renfroe legacy continues through Dr. Ben Renfroe, the younger brother of Jake III and Dee, along with his wife Tammy. With the retirement of his brother and the passing of his sister Dee, Ben has stepped in to uphold the values, vision, and traditions that have made the company what it is today.
While Renfroe’s roots were in wholesale, the business has grown to serve generations of families and customers across the country. With two thriving retail stores and a robust mail-order program, J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company continues to deliver fresh, high-quality pecans and specialty nut products—honoring the past, embracing the future, and sharing the taste of tradition.