William W. Gilkey

GILKEY, HILL, MARTIN, CRUZ

Posted By: Skipton
Date: 8/23/2011 at 21:18:30

William W. Gilkey passed on July 27, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. He was preceded by his wife, Lorraine N. Gilkey, who passed on March 30, 2011.

Born January 8, 1921 in Columbus Junction, Iowa, Bill attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids where he met Lorraine. When WWII came, Bill enlisted in the Navy and he and Lorraine were married in Chicago in 1944 before Bill shipped out to the Pacific.
Following the war, Bill and Lorraine returned to Iowa where Bill attended law school at the University of Iowa. They settled in Manchester, Iowa, where Bill opened his law practice and served as county attorney.

In 1958, Bill and Lorraine moved their two children, Lynn and Peter, to Clearwater, Florida. After passing the Florida Bar, Bill joined the law firm of Richards and Nodine. Their son, Thomas was born soon after. Bill was a strong community member serving in official and unofficial roles. President of the Rotary Club, the Board of Morton Plant Hospital, Commodore of Carlouel Yacht Club, Mr. Clearwater in 1980. His unfailing involvement and support of his family and his community will be sorely missed. He always took a sincere personal interest in those around him. He was know to say, “Sit down here and tell me about your victories!”

Bill is survived by his sisters, Marva Hill of Burlington, IA and Merna Martin of Clarkesville, GA; his children, Lynn Cruz of Miami, FL, Peter Gilkey of Ft. Worth, TX; and Thomas Gilkey of St. Augustine, FL; along with eleven grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Bill’s memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church on Saturday, September 3rd at 1:00 p.m. Graveside service to follow at Sylvan Abbey. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to Suncoast Hospice.