William James "Bill" Hebding

William James "Bill" Hebding, 78, of Ocean Ridge, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on March 13, 2024. He was born on October 16, 1945, in Decatur, Alabama and spent most of his life and career in northern Alabama.

Bill was a loving father and husband, known for his generosity towards everyone. As a young man he enjoyed walking the Tennessee River hunting for artifacts. Bill was an excellent swimmer and diver. Lifeguarding was his summer job for years growing up. In between time, you'd find him playing tennis or golf. Later in life when he wasn't on the water piloting his boat, he was in the air piloting his plane. Bill enjoyed traveling with his wife, Julia. He particularly loved Germany and Italy. Bill and Julia also loved sitting and talking and listening to the beauty of nature in their own backyard. Florida was Bill and he embraced retirement here. He always said, his definition of success was the ability to wear shorts and flip flops every day. He was an avid Alabama football fan and watched every game with his son, Bill Jr. He cherished his daughter Layne, and she was the apple of his eye. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Bill graduated with honors from the University of North Alabama in Florence. He was a CPA, business owner and entrepreneur.

He is survived by his wife, Julia Ruth Hebding; son, William Hebding, Jr.; daughter, Carmen Layne Gehris; brother, Daniel Eugene Hebding (Nevie); sister, Barbara Hargrove, and brother-in-law Jim Compton. Bill is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children Merilyn Mote and grandchildren, William Chancellor "Chance" Hebding; Brooke Lauren Gehris; Taylor Layne Gehris; and Savannah Paige Gehris; stepchildren, Emily Jamea (Sean); Eliza Reinking (Drew) and four step grandchildren. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews, Steve Hargrove, Dave Hargrove (Liz), Kimberly Dernovsek (Jay), Sonia Churchman (Morgan), Jim Compton (Beverly), and Chris Compton (Angie). Bill was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Paul Hebding; mother, Addie Reese Hebding; sister Margaret Hebding Compton and his wife Pamela Marie Hebding.

A private memorial service will take place to honor Bill's life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX.

Bill will be interred at The Gardens of Boca Raton.