William Whitley "Bill" Mead

1943 - 2020

William Whitley "Bill" Mead obituary, 1943-2020, Orlando, FL

William Whitley "Bill" Mead

1943 - 2020

William Mead Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jul. 17 to Aug. 2, 2020.
William "Bill" W. Mead, 77, of Altamonte Springs, Florida, went home to be with the Lord, on his birthday, July 9, 2020.

Bill had a quiet confidence, a loyal and honorable heart, and a faith-filled soul.

He was born to Berne "Tom" Matthews Mead and Harriet Councill Mead, in Chillicothe, Illinois, in 1943. His family moved to Florida when he was a baby.

Bill graduated from Edgewater Highschool in 1961. He received his bachelor's degree from Florida Atlantic University and his master's in counseling, from Troy State University. He was very proud of his Dolphins, that he earned for serving in the US Naval Submarine Service.

He was married to Glenda Dyer Mead. On March 1, 2020, he and his sweetheart celebrated 47 years together.

Bill had a career in social work and counseling with the State of Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and then, Orange County Department of Children and Family services. He had a heart for troubled youths and wanted to make a difference in their lives.

Much of Bill's time was spent volunteering. He taught literacy skills to adults. He spent time with Hospice patients, reading to them and sitting vigil with them in their final hours. He traveled to prisons around Florida, counseling and sharing his faith, while volunteering with Kairos Prison Ministry.

Bill had a passion for Jesus, his family and friends, boxing and working out. He shared the story of God's grace in his life with anyone who would listen. He was fiercely protective of his family and always working on building their character. He appreciated his lifelong friendships, including his First Tuesday Group.

After an undefeated boxing record in the military, he continued his love for boxing by sparring at the local gym and becoming a judge ringside. He loved working out, whether it was playing tennis every Saturday morning with his buddies, riding his bicycle like a speed racer around his neighborhood, swimming laps like his mom taught him, shaking the house while punching the heavy and speed bags, or using his ancient weights his dad gave him when he was 12.

Besides his sweetheart, Glenda, Bill was survived by his little (big) brother, Charles "Chuck" Mead, his adoring daughters, Denise Mead and Kristen Crane; his favorite son in law, Charlie Crane, favorite ex son in law, Ron Hall, and his beloved grandson, Dillon Hall.

The funeral service will be held at 12 noon, August 8, 2020, at Incarnation Catholic Church, 1515 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, Florida. A reception/celebration will follow the service in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bill's favorite charity, St.Jude's (www.stjude.org/give), or his church, Incarnation Catholic Church (407-843-2886).

God is Good, All the Time!

To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.

Sign William Mead's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 11, 2021

William Luse posted to the memorial.

July 11, 2021

Shelby Morrison posted to the memorial.

May 24, 2021

Stuart Weinstein posted to the memorial.

William Luse

July 11, 2021

You're still in my thoughts and prayers, Bill, every day.

Shelby Morrison

July 11, 2021

I said a prayer for the repose of your soul last night at Mass, sitting in the pew we usually shared. You are missed but you would be amazed at the growth on the congregation. God bless Father Holiday.

Stuart Weinstein

May 24, 2021

Bill and I sparred and hung out at FAU

Our sparring was mostly in Bill“s favor

I boxed a local bully at FAU and working against Bill helped me win the match

Bill was a loyal friend who would always if needed be there for you

Although in a better place he will be missed

Rest In Peace my friend

Philip Whitby

January 16, 2021

I just learned of Bill's passing. I worked with Bill at Orange County Youth and Family Services. A man of integrity, kindness and grace. While I haven't had communication with Bill since he retired, I know he is missed by his former colleagues and the distressed youth and families he counseled. May God Bless his Soul and comfort his family.

Jeannette Sieland

August 9, 2020

The Korean War Veterans Association Department of Florida and Chapter 173 Casselberry send our sincerest condolences on the passing of US Navel Submarine Serviceman William Whitley Mead. or Brother In Arms.
He served his country well and honorably.
Rest In Peace.

Jim and Louise Johnson

August 8, 2020

Remember him so well from Saturday tennis. A great friend and great sportsman. We sill miss him.

Michelle McCrimmon

July 30, 2020

Bill was always a familiar face at 8am Mass and boy was he a sight for sore eyes when we returned to Incarnation after a few years. He was always so friendly and kind. I'm sad to say I didn't know so much about him because he had an extraordinary life and had such a wonderful impact on so many. I pray for the repose of his soul and for comfort for his precious family.

James Alford

July 27, 2020

Every time when we got together we'd discuss how greatly God had blessed us. Bill's spiritual gift was Encouragement, in my opinion .
Mine and Marcia's lives have been greatly enriched by our path crossing Bill's.

William Luse

July 24, 2020

I remember playing tennis with Bill and his Dad, Tom, on Varner's court in College Park back in the 80's. (My dad and I also played a few rounds of golf with Tom, one of the funniest men I ever met). I didn't discover Incarnation Church until about 2015, and was quite surprised to see Bill there, since I had attended his Dad's funeral at St. Luke's Episcopal. I knew then he had depths with which I was unfamiliar. We became reacquainted (he talked me into attending Bible study) and I was humbled by the equanimity with which he accepted his diagnosis. "God is good," he told me. "I'll be fine." A dignified, gentle and courageous man. I'll miss seeing him at Mass. I still look for him every time I go, out of habit.

Thomas F. Kravets Capt DC USN/Ret

July 24, 2020

Bill and friendI were ushers at the 8 AM service. Both being navy men, we had
many stories of navy life to share.
Bill was a true gentleman, a holy man and wonderful person to have as a friend.
rest in peace shipmate.

Paul Buckshot Simonds

July 20, 2020

I have known Bill for along time. Ever since Howard Junior High School.He and I ,Jim Whilly and John Freeman used to hang around together. And as adults played a lot of tennis
together. I will miss him,but grateful for all the good times we had together.Buckshot

Gary Baggett

July 20, 2020

Chuck, sorry for your loss. Your brother accomplished a lot during his life.

Shelby Morrison

July 19, 2020

Bill and I made that walk of faith together with Fr. Doc from Episcopal to Anglican to Catholic, suppporting each other in the process. Bill asked a million good questions along the way and I hope he is getting his answers now. I wish I had known that Bill was a submariner because I think he would have liked to know that submarines are a big interest of mine. And, Bill, I am sorry that I mispelled Mead all these years. Rest in peace, my friend. I will miss you. May God comfort your family.

Tom Fann

July 19, 2020

Class act! Always a gentleman.So sorry for your(our) loss- will be sorely missed!!!

Robert Summers

July 18, 2020

A big heart and a wonderful gentleman . You lived your life on your terms. God bless you and your family

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in William Mead's name

How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ā€˜Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Mead's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign William Mead's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 11, 2021

William Luse posted to the memorial.

July 11, 2021

Shelby Morrison posted to the memorial.

May 24, 2021

Stuart Weinstein posted to the memorial.