William Rountree

William (Bill) McNeil Rountree, 85, passed into the arms of his Savior on May 31st at his home in Clermont, GA, where he was surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born January 20, 1940, in Trenton, FL, but grew up in Ocala, FL and graduated from Ocala High School. He then attended Marion Military Institute, Marion, AL where he was captain of the tennis team and played drums in the cadet band. After attending MMI, Bill joined the army and became a paratrooper in the 18th Airborne Corps Artillery. In his spare time, he followed his love of music by frequently playing drums in a dance band. After being honorably discharged from the army, he settled in Orlando and Tampa, FL, but in 1967 Bill settled in Gainesville, GA and worked for over 27 years for the New Jersey- based Tingue-Brown Co. After retirement, he enjoyed raising cattle and growing various crops on his farm. He loved to go hunting, fishing, camping, antiquing, collecting, and travel around the country with his wife in their RV.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be remembered most for his enormous sense of humor and his love for people. He created lifelong friendships as he traveled for his job, as he and his wife enjoyed vacations far and wide and even in his final days and hours. He never met a stranger and wowed us all with his incredible singing voice.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Vickie E. Rountree; his children: Chris Rountree (Jeanne); and Jordan R. Cooper (Mike); and grandchildren: Cody Rountree; Miranda Rountree; Cailin, Caden, and Ashlin Cooper; Jessica C. Harbin and Jacob Cooper. Bill is predeceased by his parents William and Mary (Wade) Rountree.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at his farm in Clermont.