William L Lathrop

William L. Lathrop
6/15/1948-5/22/2020

William L. Lathrop, 71, passed away in Crestview, Florida on May 22, 2020. He was born in Newark, New Jersey to Lewis and Alice (Vaughn) Lathrop, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 36 years, Penny S. Lathrop, six daughters: Alecia May of Pinellas Park, Florida, Jody Weldon of South Haven, Michigan, Michele Rocco of Springhill, Florida and Angela Pells, Sindel DuBois and Katlynn Steverson, all of Crestview, Florida; 19 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and two more due this year; four siblings: Robert of Gillette, Wyoming, George of St. Petersburg, Florida, Janet of St. Petersburg, Florida and Jesse of Haynesville, North Carolina, as well as various nieces and nephews.

At a young age, living in Vienna Ohio, Bill liked hitting golf balls. He was in the newspaper for his abilities in golf. At 16, he enlisted in the Army (with parents' permission) and, after training, ended up in Vietnam. It has been proven that during his time in Vietnam, he was stationed in some of the hardest-hit drop zones for Agent Orange. After service, he tried a variety of jobs, ending up working in a cabinet shop. He loved creating custom furniture and cabinets so much that he opened his own shop, Sundown Cabinets in Largo, Florida. In 2001 he closed his business and moved his family to Crestview, Florida.

Bill again worked for Kitchen & Bath in Fort Walton Beach, Florida until 2007, when he needed a triple bypass and could no longer do the physical cabinet work. After recovery time, Bill & Penny started BPL Transportations. They provided transportation for injured workers to their medical appointments. For 12+ years they provided transportation throughout Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Bill was diagnosed with heart problems (after failed surgery), COPD and diabetes. He retired and they travelled across the country as health would allow. Multiple times he came close to passing, but he wasn't done yet. His favorite pastimes were bowling, CBs, golf, fishing, camping, hunting .. gun and bow and spending time with his family. He had been with Vitas Hospice for two to three years. For the last six months, health had become more up and down…lately more down. He gave his last on the morning of May 22, 2020. God called this stubborn redneck home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wounded Warriors.
Due to Covid, military honors will be later this summer.
Arrangements have been entrusted to National Cremation and Burial Society.