Birth date: Aug 26, 1949 Death date: Oct 4, 2013
Lisa,
We were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. You and he were so loved by my Mom, Marie Ford. She always spoke of all the wonderful things that you and Bill did for her, and I so appreciated how you and Bill looked out for her when her health was failing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kathy & Bob Caskey
Bill's Eulogy given by Thomas J. Fallon
As I’m standing here getting ready to read this, all I can hear in my head is Bill saying “just put me in the ground already and go home.” That was typical Bill, never wanting anyone to make a big deal about him.
Growing up with Bill was... interesting to say the least. I was about 6 years old when he first came in the picture 20 years ago. In the beginning I really didn’t know what to call Bill. I mean he was my moms boyfriend, but moms weren’t allowed to have boyfriends, that’s just weird and it seemed strange to call him my step dad. So what had inadvertently happened is that I would call him my Bill and he would call me “Kid”. “No guys, My Bill says I can’t go.” Or “Let me check with My Bill.” My Bill would sit with me after school and help me do my homework.
My Bill taught me how to shave.
My Bill was the one who did pushups with me in the living room when I decided to join the Navy.
My Bill was also the one who didn’t judge my decision to get married, though he wanted the best for me he ultimately accepted I was old enough to make my own decisions. He had his take it easy attitude, one of the many things I got from him, just ask my wife, it drive her crazy that I’m so calm all the time. He didn’t treat me like I was someone else’s kid, he treated me like his actual son. He treated all of us kids as his own. With his health decreasing over the last few years; each surgery or operation seemed like it would be the last. I was lucky enough to be able to call him on the phone and say thank you. “For what”, he had said. “For everything” was all I could say. He made our mother happy, he gave us things that normally would not have been possible and ultimately the most important thing he gave us was a complete family.
Without him I wouldn’t have had a father and I’m grateful that he came into our lives. We have a lot of good times and bad times to remember but looking back now, the bad times were actually him teaching me to be the man that I am today.
As John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” I can only hope that I was able to not only tell him, but show him how much he meant to me and to all of us.
I'm Sue Tubbs Hunnicutt, mother of Lisa Tubbs (Richard's daughter) and just learned from my Lisa and and Linda about William...I am so very sorry to know that these three dear brothers have left much too soon. While I have not met you and family, I wanted to share my memories. I know the last time I saw him was when Mom Thompson passed away, and his sense of humor had not changed! Both he and Charles were in Richard's and my wedding; John was out-of-state at the time. Lisa so enjoyed getting to see Willie when she flew down to Florida at Christmas to be her with her dad and "Uncle John" . Please let Chris and Chip know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Linda and Lisa and I are staying in close touch , and your sharing these pictures brought back many memories. My love to you all. Sue
Lisa, You are in my thoughts. Bill was an amazing guy! He always had me laughing, his stories were awesome and he was just an all around good guy! He will be missed by many and loved forever!
I , and BEST, certainly would not be where it is today without Bill. From the first day that i met him until the day before he passed, he gave his best to all of us at BEST. We were family. I personally owe alot of what i have to Bill. I will miss him so much. I will miss his sense of humor, you needed to know him, to know what I mean. I will miss the smell of his cologne. I will miss my phone calls with him and conversations that I lost my phone or computer. I will miss my dinners with him when I would come to New Port Richey. I will miss a true friend. He gave me the shirt off his back, and the watches off his wrist. Your beloved friend Eddie B.
Lisa & Family,
My condolences to you and your family. Bill was a special person who will be sorely missed. He always made me laugh out loud!
Lisa & family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I will forever cherish the memories of the many fun times we shared. Bill always made me laugh. Especially when he talked about how tech savvy Ed was lol. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan Barrett
Lisa,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know BIll was very special to you , but he left his mark on many hearts here at BEST. He was the only one who could tease me about my age and make me smile. I will miss his good natured ribbing and his generous heart.
Mardi Fitzgerald
Lisa,
Bill will be greatly missed, he was such a good hearted man! My condolences go out to you and your family.
Love,
Crystal, Art, Codey & Colin Franks
