Mr. William "Bill" Whitehead

Willliam J Whitehead (Bill), age 84 of Lake Butler, FL, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Lake Butler Hospital surrounded by his family. Bill was born December 4, 1931 in Lake Butler, FL to Andrew and Virdie Palmer Whitehead. He graduated from Union County High School in 1950. Having proudly serving almost four years in the Korean War Bill returned home. He was a Christian and lifelong member of First Christian Church of Lake Butler, FL.

Bill was honored to have worked with world renowned civil engineers as an instructor in Soil Mechanics at the University of Florida. After retiring in December 1983, he enjoyed many years hunting and fishing in Star Lake, Cracker Boys and Little Hell hunting clubs, where he made lifelong friendships. He enjoyed working in his yard, and learned that the ruts under the swing set were a symbol of love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Virdie Whitehead, brothers, A.W., Alfred, and John, and sisters, Merle Brown and Olene Douberly. He was also preceded in death by one great grandson, Eli Stephen Kemp, and a daughter, Cynthia Mallard.

Bill was always so proud of growing up in Union County on the family farm. He cherished the time spent with his parents and brothers and sisters and kept those memories in his heart always. He was a man of his word, and believed that to have a friend, you had to be a friend.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Betsy Shoucair Whitehead; sons Joe Whitehead (wife Susan), Lake Butler, Paul Whitehead, Glen St. Mary, and Mitchell Mallard (wife Esther), Alachua; daughters Debbie West (Wayne) and Donna Conner, both of Glen St. Mary, Deborah Mallard, Alachua, and Nancy Starling (Shay), Keystone Heights. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Bill also leaves behind two brothers, Jack and Jimmy Whitehead, both of Lake Butler, and a host of loving nieces, nephews and many, many more family and friends.

The family thanks the staff of Lake Butler Hospital who showed unending compassion to Bill during his final days.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at First Christian Church, Lake Butler, FL. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at First Christian Church, Lake Butler, FL.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Haven Hospice of Lake City, FL, or First Christian Church, Lake Butler, FL.

Arrangements are under the care of Archer Funeral Home. 386-496-2008.