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William Greer Bankhead Jr.

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University of Florida

William Bankhead Obituary

BANKHEAD William Greer Bankhead, Jr., 64, passed away Sunday morning, March 6, 2005, at his Ponte Vedra Beach home after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born January 15, 1941, in Americus, Georgia. He was a graduate of Englewood High School and the University of Florida. Bill was an active member of Palms Presbyterian Church, worked for Stockton, Whatley, Davin & Company, served in the Army National Guard of Florida and retired from CSX Transportation with 30 years service. First elected to the Florida Legislature in 1978, he served 10 years in the House, 10 years in the Senate and five years as the Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice under Gov. Jeb Bush. Bill was a dedicated public servant who helped shape the lives of many troubled youths. Bill was preceded in death by his father, William G. Bankhead, Sr. and leaves to cherish his memory his adoring mother, Enid C. Bankhead of Jacksonville, who will mark her 101st birthday in April; his loving wife Diana, with whom he would have celebrated 33 years of marriage on March 11; and his caring children, Bill, III and Brooke, all of Ponte Vedra Beach. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Palms Presbyterian Church, 3410 South Third Street, Jacksonville Beach, with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Walker and Rev. Carol DiGiusto officiating. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent either to Palms Presbyterian Church, Oasis Campaign/Youth Building (address above), in honor of Bill's devotion to his children and all the youth in the state of Florida; or to the Mayo Foundation for Cancer Research, Mayo Clinic of Jacksonville, Attention: Department of Development, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, in memory of Senator William Bankhead. Arrangements are under the care of George H. Hewell & Son Funeral Home, University Boulevard. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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

Published by Florida Times-Union from Mar. 11 to Mar. 17, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for William Bankhead

26 Entries

JUDY BAKER

April 2, 2005

MRS. BANKHEAD

SO,SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. MAY GOD GIVE YOU AND THE FAMILY STRENGTH

& COMFORT IN THE DAYS AHEAD.MR.BANK-

HEAD WAS MY PATIENT TWICE DURING HIS

HOSPITALIZATOIN AT ST.LUKES HOSPITAL

Barbi Barber

April 2, 2005

I consider myself very fortunate to be the Goddaughter of such a wonderful human being. Uncle Billy will always be in my fondest childhood memories. My sincerest condolences go out to my Aunt Diana, Little Bill, Brooke, and of course, my dear Aunt Enid. Although we don't see each other often, you all are never far from my thoughts and prayers, and it is my sincerest hope that you will all find solace in the comforting words of the many friends and family that surround you all. Time is a great healer of all wounds. Be especially thankful of all the wonderful years that you had together as a family; hold and cherish those memories in your hearts forever. With all my love, Barbi (Torrent) Barber and Family-husband Michael, sons Zachary and Nicholas

Barbara (Roumillat) Johns

March 23, 2005

I have many fond memories of Bill from the 4th grade on. He always "took the high road" and continued that in his adult life serving Florida and especially children so well. Bill will be missed but may your memories help during these times. Mrs. Bankhead did a great job raising Bill. God Bless Her.

Donia Tyner

March 23, 2005

Diana - My heart goes out to you and your children - Bill will be missed by you and his family at Palms Presbyterian Church - My condolences - Donia Tyner

Lisa Clarson

March 20, 2005

Dear Family, I am so saddened to hear of dear Bill's passing. I can not tell you what an impact his encouragement played in my life. He followed my career from when I was Miss Jacksonville to Broadway, Vegas, and back home again. I still have the picture he sent me when he was serving in the Senate. I've kept it all these years. His was a life to be emulated. Please accept deepest condolences from Lisa Clarson, Ric Clarson, and Jan King

Bill Mouro

March 20, 2005

Diana, it only seems like yesterday when I first met you during which time you were going with Bill. The end results was a great marriage and I am sure the years ahead will hold many loving memories for you. I enjoyed meeting Bill and working with him in the Jaycees during the time that the organization and its leadership was very vibrant, Bill being one of the better leaders! I ask the good Lord to give you strength in the days ahead and trust that time and His love will make it possible for you to enjoy a life full of love with your two children - and surely, grandchildren to come!

shyla henderson

March 19, 2005

Dear Diana, I was so saddened to hear about your loss of Bill. His suffering is over and he is finally at peace. The hard part is ahead for you, living without him, but your strength will prevail. My deepest sympathy to you, little Bill and Brook,

Charlie Hovey

March 19, 2005

Diana, Enid and Family;

My wife Mary Ann, my mother, Letha, and I send our deepest sympathies to you all during this time. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Peace -

Charlie Hovey

Victoria Bunnell-Offenberg

March 19, 2005

Diana,

Hopefully you remember me. I was a part of your life when I worked with Jay Severance. We sold your home in Southside. You and Bill were always so nice to me. I will never forget how much you both seemed to care what happened to me and Jay. I am so sorry you have lost your dear Bill. Certain he is in heaven looking down on you and your kids. Hope to see you sometime since I am moving into Marsh Landing. In warmest thougts, Victoria

Richard Bowers

March 19, 2005

To Bill's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I worked with Bill on projects for many years beginning at Kooker park when he was heading the Jaycee effort there in the 70's. His dedication and concern for children never wavered. He served his community well. We are so sorry for your loss. I am glad that I knew him.

Kevin and Lynn Cuda

March 19, 2005

We all lost a dedicated public servant and a friend with Mr. Bankhead's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wonderful family.

Melvin Farmer

March 18, 2005

Diana

Just heard about your great loss.

All our prayers are with you and

your family.

Mel Farmer

Delta Airlines,Ret.

Tommy & Carol Hazouri

March 18, 2005

Carol and I send our deepest sympathy and love to the family during this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

John and Martha Southwood

March 17, 2005

Dianne and Family,

Our sympathy is with you. I remember Bill fondly from our Stocton,Whatley days. He was a tireless worker and a great leader. We will all miss him and wonder who will undertake all his endearvors now.

Marsane Dixon-Edgerton

March 17, 2005

Our thoughts & prayers are with you! Bill will be missed. He is at peace and free of pain. I enjoyed growing up around him. He made regular visits to his favorite place Jim's Fried Chicken! He loved

it! Please continue the family tradition.

The Dixon Family

Jewel Rahaim

March 16, 2005

Diana,Bill,Brook,and Enid,

We will all miss Bill so very much. We have lot's of good memories from a person who was great and served his state so very well. We have so many fond memories of his youth forward. Our hearts and prayers are with you. We love you.

Jewel, Raymond and Lynn Rahaim

Barbara Jane Sieg Tripp

March 16, 2005

Billy and I were in the same 4th grade class, and we were in school together through 12th grade. As adults,we would run into each other occasionally - at CSX or Taylor Residences where both our mothers live. No matter where he went or what he accomplished, he always kept that 4th grade charm and he remained "Billy."

Arden Vaughan

March 13, 2005

It was not my fortune to run with statesmen or oversee the land.

It was not my wish to interfere

with governing my fellow man.

I, like many of the small

Was happy to let Bill do it all.

So let us thank and praise the

The Bankheads of our life

Who strove for us against the politics of human strife.

God bless our statesman Bill

And welcome him to eternal life.

Lynn Mobley

March 13, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jack/Louise Halloran

March 12, 2005

Dianna: Love and blessings to you from God for the long vigil you stood for your wonderful husband, Bill. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Love from Louise and Jack Halloran

penny mcneil

March 12, 2005

dianna,

sorry to hear about your husband,he seems like quite a man.i know you will miss him.i pray the lord will just send you peace and comfort your family.my prayers are with you.

love,penny {letress salon}.

Michael & Jeanne Haddad

March 12, 2005

Dear Diana, Enid and family,

We were so saddened to hear of Billy's passing. Michael always thought of him as a big brother while they were growing up. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and prayers. Our thoughts are with you all.

Love, Michael and Jeanne

BARBARA MARKHAM PETTY

March 11, 2005

DIANA AND GIRLS

I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH BILLY AND HAVE KNOWN HIM MANY YEARS. MY PRAYERS AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

JACK AND BARBARA PETTY

Michelle Eckert

March 11, 2005

Dianna,

I knew Bill had been sick.....but so sorry to hear of his passing. He sure was a great person...you were so lucky. I know you and the children will miss him very much.

Take Care,

Carolyn & Bob Dickson

March 11, 2005

We appreciated Bill so much. He was a wonderful part of our government and contributed so much. We are so grateful he was a loving part of Palms Presbyterian Church as is his family.

Patricia Harris-Dixon

March 11, 2005

Diana & Family, You have our deepest sympathy and we hope God gives you peace in your time of sorrow.

Your Former Co-Woker, Pat Harris

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