Bill Carol of Miami, FL, went home to be with the Lord on July 01, 2025, at the age of 86. He was beloved husband for 62 years to Maxine Carol; loving father of Debbie, Bill Jr., “Carrie” and Suzie, “Mike”; proud grandfather of Justin, Noel, Sydney, Ashlee, Dustin, Tyler and Austin; great Grandpa of Waylon and Lyla; faithful brother to Steve, “Fran” and Diane, “Wes”. He was born in Amityville, NY on March 13, 1939, and lived a life that blessed so many people.

Bill began his love for flying as a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol. He later attended the Citadel and then proudly served the Country by enrolling in the Naval Aviation Cadet (NavCad) program in 1961 for the United States Navy where he earned his wings and graduated as a Naval Aviator and flew the E-1B WF (“Willy Fudd”) Tracer anti-submarine aircraft on and off aircraft carriers for eleven years. During that time, Bill also served as an instructor pilot, navigator, transport pilot and was part of the Apollo XI recovery mission from the aircraft carrier U.S.S. WASP where the E-1B Tracer aircraft was tasked with recovering the first astronauts that landed on the Moon. Bill was a decorated Naval Aviator and was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Navy Commendation Medal. The Navy retired the E-1B Tracer in the early 1970s and Bill honorably parted from the Navy in 1972 to pursue his own truck and car business which he always had a passion for.

Bill was a tireless worker and an incredible provider for the family. Over approximately four decades he built a very successful business and during that time he began a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is when his Christian faith and following Jesus became the center of his Life. His new passion became serving the Lord and his motto was to be at church whenever the doors were open. Bill and Maxine utilized their resources to purchase many school buses so that kids would have an opportunity to meet and get to know Jesus as their friend and better their lives. The church made Bill the honorary “Bus Captain” which gave him great joy. Bill was also dedicated to the prison ministry through his church where he preached the gospel to prisoners every week even though he never was comfortable speaking to large groups. He was a prayer warrior and always prayed for family, friends, and so many others. When pastors came into town for revivals, Bill and Maxine always welcomed them into their home and Maxine was sure to feed them well.

After four decades of building his business, Bill finally decided to retire. He looked forward to spending time with family, friends and his beloved Cavalier King Charles dogs (Shelby and MeToo). Bill loved to go deep sea fishing, watch football, play card games on the computer and listen to gospel music at home. Enjoyment of these things was cut short almost two years ago by a serious accident which confined Bill to bed for the rest of his life. In spite of his condition and the very discouraging circumstances, Bill’s faith was strong, he never gave up hope, and he never gave up sharing his faith in Jesus. As painful as it is for his family, they all lean on the fact that Bill is now with the Lord, pain-free and happy.

Because Bill will be cremated, the family will hold a celebration of life in his honor on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Dolphin Plaza at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233. Memorial remarks will begin at 12:00 PM. Friends and loved ones are welcome to stop by anytime during the event to share memories and celebrate a life well lived.

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