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WILLIAM PEPPER Obituary
(BILL) MULLIN
William (Bill) Mullin Pepper III passed away 8 days before his 90th birthday on December 22, 2018. Bill was born on December 30, 1928 in Gainesville and graduated from Gainesville High in 1946. He received his BA from UF in 1949 where he was Captain of the Gator swim team. He graduated MSJ from Columbia University in 1958. Bill was Drive Chairman and later President of the United Fund of Gainesville in the late 1950's. He served 20 years as a public relations officer in the US Naval Reserve and retired with the rank of Lt. Commander. Bill and wife Polly lived as early-marrieds in Abilene, TX and New Orleans as Bill began his career as a newspaper reporter. He returned to Gainesville in 1953 as Executive Editor of The Gainesville Sun. Bill served In 1960 as President of the Managing Editors of Florida (APAF). In 1963, Bill and Polly moved to Colorado and then Texas. In Dallas, Bill was franchise director for 550 Gibson Discount Centers in 33 states. Then, from 1981 to 1996 he owned and operated a nation-wide executive search firm in Dallas. Bill was a charter member of the University City Kiwanis Club and served as Distinguished Lieutenant Governor for North Florida in 2006-07. He received 8 Ruby K awards for recruiting 75 into Kiwanis. He was a former deacon and long-time faithful and devoted member, teacher and worker in the Church of Christ. He was married to Polly Gibson Pepper for 66 years and she was the joy of his life. They have three children: Pam (Jeff) Hunt, Ken (Angie) Pepper and Penny (Keith) Arnold as well as two grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his sister Pat Gager of Gainesville.
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Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries
Dave Baker
July 2, 2021
A long time ago, in Dallas, Bill asked and got permission to come to the home of this arrogant, ambitious young man and his exhausted, neglected wife, to talk about our decision to divorce. He listened in his gentle way, and then said, clearly and calmly: "This is wrong. God does not want this for you. Please don't do this." Wow. I will never forget the experience and honor of knowing a man of such courage and integrity. Bill truly walked the walk. Later, after I had arrogantly rejected his advice and instruction, he would take me with his wife to church. He was an inspiration to me, and I know there would be many stories here of Bill's good works, had he not outlived almost all of his peers. I am glad his family was able to be warmed by the strong and steady fire of his love for so very long.
Kevin Mineer
March 24, 2019
When I think of Uncle Billy I remember all the funny stories he had and his special way of telling them! I will greatly miss him.
Jackie Jackson
March 6, 2019
Condolences and prayers to Bill's family. Bill is tremendously missed by me and all of his friends here in Gainesville, FL. Bill and Polly were both an encouragement to our church-University City church of Christ and the Gainesville community. May Bill rest in peace along with his precious wife, Polly.
Eddie Davis
March 3, 2019
So sad to hear this. Our parents will be so sad. My parents had many great times with Polly and Billy and loved them very much. This will be very hard to tell them. Condolences to all the family and God bless you. Love Naida and Eddie.
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