William Richard Stacey

William (Bill) Richard Stacey

February 26, 1940 - February 15, 2024

William R Stacey, 83 of Lakeland, FL p assed peacefully at South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City, FL.

He was surrounded with family and friends during his passing.

Bill was born in 1940 to William and Charlotte Stacey. He is survived by his three children, Drew Stacey, Mandy Kelly, and Becci Stacey; four grandchildren, Stacey Brundydge, Katherine Middleton, Cheyenne Buti, Sebastian Stacey; great grandson, Zachary Middleton; sisters, Louise Paskon of Rosiclare, IL, Audrey Martin of Eldorado, IL; brother, Keith Clark of Ullin IL.

He was preceded in death by wife, Diana Stacey, siblings, Wilma Killian Highfill, Frances Kelly, Shirley Gibula and Joseph Stacey

Bill moved to Lakeland, FL in the early 70s, and opened a fish hatchery (BC Tropical Fish) with brother in-law and financial partner Clifford Martin, before retiring as a Plant Manager for Aqua Chem Pool Supplies.

He was an avid motorcyclist and enjoyed long trips and rides through the country with the love of his life and wife Diana Stacey. The two could be found singing karaoke and hosting gumbo parties with friends if they were not on Lake Gibson fishing.

Bill coached youth soccer in North Lakeland and started the 1st boys soccer team at Lake Gibson High School.

As a believer in Christ, we will see him again.

Services will be held at his home in Lakeland and later at his favorite fishing hole on Lake Gibson, March 2nd, 2024.