William E. “Bill” Florence, Sr., 92 of Shadyside, Ohio died Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born June 14, 1925 in Wheeling, West Virginia a son of the late Earl B. and Elizabeth C. Dockter Florence.
Bill was a retired brakeman and conductor for the B & O Railroad, a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Shadyside, Ohio, Shadyside Lodge 724 F & AM, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Steubenville, Grand Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons of Ohio Chapter 107, Osiris Shrine and the American Legion Post 521 Shadyside, Ohio. He was a US Navy veteran of World War II serving as a Seaman First Class.
The family wishes to thank the Amedisys Hospice for their devoted care extended to Bill and his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Clendenin Florence, whom he married on April 6, 1947, his son, William “Buster” Florence, Jr. and a daughter, Jackie Florence, his sister, Mary Emma Norman and his brother, Gerald Florence.
Surviving are three daughters, Dreama (Ronald) Smith of Tallmadge, Ohio, Donna (Rick) Sims Shadyside, Ohio and Darlene (James) Mackey of Stow, Ohio. Also eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received at the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory 3900 Central Avenue Shadyside, Ohio on Saturday from 6 to 8 pm and Sunday from 2 to 8 pm where services will be held on Monday at 11 am with Pastor Joy Wright officiating. Interment in the Holly Memorial Gardens in Pleasant Grove, Ohio with Full Military Honors by the Belmont County Veterans Association.
Masonic services will be conducted on Sunday at 7 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Buster Florence Scholarship Fund or the Shriners Childrens Hospital by going to TMCFunding.com.
Share your thoughts and memories with Bill’s family at www.bauknechtaltmeyer. com.
Donna and Rick, Sincere condolences to the family. May your memories of your parents give you peace, comfort, and strength. Now your parents are together, may they rest in peace. Mary Ryncarz
Our condolences to all of the family. May your memories of your parents give you peace, comfort, and strength. Since both your Dad and Mom are together, may they rest in peace. Ryncarz Family
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of William E. Florence, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten..
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Navy Veteran, William E. Florence, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Rest in peace Uncle Bill