William Randolph "Bill" Staggs

William Randolph "Bill" Staggs, Capt., USN (Ret.), went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ just days before he would have celebrated his 99th birthday on Nov. 11. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Valparaiso, Ind., Nov. 11, 1912, he was second in a family of five boys. He grew up in Chicago where he was active in scouting, earning his Eagle Scout award. He competed as a diver with swimmer friend Johnny Weismueller of "Tarzan" fame. He fought in the Golden Gloves, was active in ROTC and graduated from high school with a football scholarship to Wake Forest, N.C., later receiving his degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois.

After college he joined the Army Corps of Engineers, later to resign his rank of second lieutenant to become a naval aviation cadet. He married his college sweetheart Gracie and moved to Pensacola as a flight instructor, beginning a long and successful 27-year career in the U.S. Navy.

During his wartime service, Bill flew missions as an anti-submarine/ torpedo bomber pilot attached to carriers in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. His decorations included the Navy Cross, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He also experienced the exhilaration of being the first carrier pilot to land aboard ship with live bombs on his aircraft, of ditching at sea and being rescued by a passing Portuguese freighter. He later held squadron and carrier commands. He was the chief of staff officer at NAS JAX, commanding officer of Corry Field, Pensacola, and commanding officer of Cecil Field, Master Jet Base. His favorite assignments were XO of Argentia Naval Base, Newfoundland, and Navy liaison officer to 5th Air Force, Nagoya, Japan.

Following military retirement, desiring to teach, Bill earned his teaching certificate at Florida State University and taught math and science at St. Augustine High School.

Bill enjoyed fishing and hunting. Inducted into the Florida Bowler"s Hall of Fame, he brought home the high series trophy for 705 in the state finals. Then there was the hole in one at the Ponce Ñ at age 74!

Bill was a member of Elks Lodge #829, Moose and American Legion. His volunteer service included Community Hospice, Meals on Wheels and St. Francis House. His most meaningful service after retirement, however, was serving his new-found Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at Independent Bible Church. There he became self-appointed grounds keeper and later served as a deacon. His Sunday morning ministry involved blowing the leaves off the church driveway and putting the coffee pot on for the preacher.

Bill was preceded in death in 1993 by his wife of 56 years, Gracie, and his great-grandson, Nathan Mull. He is survived by his three daughters, Diana Crimi of Roy, Wash., Susie Russell and Twinkle (John) McNairy of St. Augustine, Fla.; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and the memory of 19 family dogs.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Community Bible Church, U.S. 1 South. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation to either Sue Hahn, ABWE missionary to Japan, PO Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA 1-7105-8585 or HAWKE Wildlife Care, PO Box 188, Elkton, FL 32033.

He is in glory now Safe in the arms of Jesus 1John 5:11,12,13.

Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park.