William “Billy” Paul Palaski, 55, of Land O Lakes, Florida funeral service is 7:30 PM, Tuesday evening, July 30, 2013 at the East Thonotosassa Baptist Church, 12735 Knights Griffin Road, Thonotosassa, Florida with Pastor Jim Brady and the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard providing full military honor at the conclusion of the service. The family will receive friends at the church from 5:30 pm on Tuesday evening until service time. Burial, at his request will be in the Gulf of Mexico.
Billy lived in Tampa, Florida except for the first 2 weeks of his life which was in Marietta, Georgia where his father was stationed in the Air Force . Billy was a Superintendent with APG Electrical, a Christian and a United States Marine Corps Veteran serving our nation from 1976 thru 1982. During his career in the Corps, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant (E-5) and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. He served as a “Hawk” Fire Control Crewman and attended the “Hawk” Fire Control Course. He married his love of his life, Karen Gail Parnell on leave from Basic Training in Tampa, Florida and together, they settled into military life until he was discharged from the United States Marine Corps at Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Arizona.
Bill's love of the water and boating was shared by both him and his wife, Gail. He loved to fish and in his spare time he became a licensed Charter Boat Captain and together, they had many wonderful memories aboard the “B and G”, their boat. They were also avid achers & enjoyed many years with their buddies at the Gasparilla Bowman & most recently with their buddies at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Joaquin & America Diaz; father, William P. Palaski and his uncle, Jack Diaz.. Billy is survived by his wife of 37 years, Gail of Land O Lakes, Florida; his mother, Orchid (Diaz) Palaski of Tampa, Florida; a sister, Joyce Palaski-Basulto (Hector) of Land O Lakes, Florida; 3 nieces, Bianca, Alea & Gianna Basulto; 2 special ladies, Courtney & Shailee Scruggs and a host of cousins, friends and other family members.
In lieu of flowers, Bill's wishes were that donations be made to :
Save the Reef Foundation & The Wounded Warriors Fund
“Semper FI”
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
What a wonderful testimonial to my big brother’s life and life experience accomplishments! Although we can’t question why he was called so soon, we will miss him beyond comprehension and will find grace in all that he gave to his family, friends and co-workers! We will all reunite again someday–until then, we hope the fishing’s great up there!
Love, “sis”, Hector and your 3 nieces:)
Capt’n Bill left a large hole in APG. It’s going to be difficult to replace such a thorough, detail oriented superintendent. We miss you Bill!
Captain Bill was a Great man who care deeply about his fellow veterans and I was very proud when he asked me to volunteer for his tournament that he started four years ago, I will miss him very much and fishing will never be the same with out him.
Captain Bill was one of the best; he was a professional at his trade and always carried a huge passion for fishing, his bow, and his wife Gail. He leaves us with great memories to celebrate his life, and we’re truly glad we had the chance to be a part of his.
I was honored to know Capt. Bill for about five years. I remember the first day I met him, at a fishing tournament of course. We hit it off and formed a friendship that has now ended far too soon. Bill was one of the most genuine, dedicated guys I knew. The fishing guide community has lost a true professional. Fishing with Bill was a real blast. I will miss him dearly.
Bill will be remembered by all as a true gentleman and sincere friend. I met him one day and felt like I had known him for my whole life. My sincere condolences to his wife and family.
Gail, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Tom,Cheryl and the rest of the Colhouer family.
My heart goes out to the Palaski family during this time. Bill was a great guy and I enjoyed getting to know him while working on projects. He was one of those guys that had a passion about what he produced, and that is all you can ask for as a designer. I know he will truly be missed!
I worked with Bill for a couple years on a project with APG as an apprentice and came to find that Bill and I had many of the same interests in life, outdoors and water. I learned a lot from Bill and will always remember him.
Mere words can not define the sense of loss I felt when I heard the news of Billy’s early departure. Billy was a great co worker and a awesome friend, I will miss him, one day I will get back up down over there and we will have some serious doins laughing and fishing again.
I will mourn your passing but more importantly I will cherrish your memory and celebrate your life. Tight lines buddy..
My condolences to Bill’s family during this time of mourning. He will be missed by all who knew him, and all who had the pleasure of working with him. Friends at TGH
My deepest condolences to Bill’s wife and family. I have worked with Bill many years and consider him a good friend. Words cannot begin to convey the emotions, he will be missed greatly, and our times spent remembered.
Ron Mueller
Having been privileged to work with Bill for many years, I learned early on that he was “one of the good guys.” I have always admired his dedication to work and, even more, his love for Gail. To Gail and the rest of the family, I send my prayers. To Bill, Godspeed (or, as he would’ve wanted it, “Golf Oscar Delta Sierra Papa Echo Echo Delta”).
BILL AND I WORKED ON MANY PROJECTS OVER THE YEARS AT APG. BILL WAS A MAN THAT NEVER CONSIDERED ANYTHING LESS THAN OUTSTANDING ACCEPTABLE. OVER THE YEARS WE SHARED OUR MEMORIES OF TIME SPENT IN THE MILITARY. YOU WILL BE MISSED BILL.
Bill, you have departed way to soon and will surely be missed. I want to thank you so much from all us active duty men and women for what you have done for us. I will always remember our fishing chats and wish we could’ve done more on the water. You are now with the greatest fisherman of all. Until we met again my friend. MSgt Bill Meredith
Bill was kind hearted man who I had many engaging conversations with,my heart goes out to the family.
Billy, it has been a pleasure to have worked with you and an even greater pleasure to have known you all these years. Rest in peace.
Gail, I was so sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. May the wonderful memories that you have bring joy and comfort to you and all of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Fran
Bill you always treated me good and i appricate very thing you’ve taught me over the years. You’re one of the smartest man I know and will truely miss you!!
Our deepest condolences to Gail and family. We always enjoyed shooting with Billy & Gail. We had not seen them recently but were very fond of both. Billy is gone to soon and will be missed.
Gail, Bob and I were saddened to learn of Billy’s passing. Let the many good memories sustain you through these difficult days. You’re in our prayers.
To my son Billy.
You have taken a part of my heart and soul with you. Parents are not suppose to bury their children. You were taken away from me and your family too soon, and you still had a lot to live for. The hurt is too much to bare. Your impact on life will always be remembered, and you have made me proud to be called your Mom. You have left a legacy with me and with your family in which will never be forgotten. I know you’re in heavens paradise looking down at all of us, watching us, and guiding us through tough times, just know ’Bear’ will always be thinking of you in her thoughts, your family will always be thinking of your examples, and your wife will always be loving you-each and every day forever. I will always have you in my heart, Billy, my son, William, forever..
Billy…..You are now fishing in the vast Ocean of Heaven with the big captain, God! Know you are loved and missed and one day we will all meet again….till then keep on fishing and catch a big one for us…love Lionel and Kathy
Orchid and Family I’m so very sorry for your loss as I just read about it in the paper. I honestly don’t know what to say and right now can’t even call you, but I will. I’m here for any of you just let me know what I can do to help.
My deepest sympathies and all my love…jap
I will truly miss you, Captain Bill. During my 15 years with APG, you were always so pleasant, courteous, friendly, kind and considerate. You were a consummate professional and true gentleman. As a military brat (Air Force) I salute you for your service to this country. Semper fi!
I will miss seeing Bill at archery tournaments. I truly enjoyed shooting with the both of you. It will not be the same.
RIP Billy, We will Always remember you great smile and soft manner.I always enjoyed working with you. You were a great friend.Will miss you.
What’s more than a brother but less than a husband? What’s more than a sister but less than a wife? That’s what Billy, Gail, Jim and I are with no children. We swore to take care of each other in our old age – just the four of us on the nursing home front porch in our rocking chairs. We cry and grieve because one of our rockers is now empty. We love you Billy and miss you. It feels like we are planning a party without you. Love, Jim & Lin
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Bill will be missed by everyone and we were blessed to know him. Numbers 6:26 May the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Gene & Bobbi Snyder
Our prayers and condolences go out to Gail and Bill and Gail’s families. Bill was a true friend and a genuine person. Captian Bill will be truly missed.
I love you my sweet nephew and will miss you so much at all our family functions. I will forever cherish the nickname you game me “Karen the carrot” when you were a young boy. Rip with our Lord, I’m sure your Uncle jack was waiting to welcome you.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gail and Bills’ Families. Bill was a good man – I will miss him – he was a great coworker and a good friend.
Gail , we are so sorry for your loss and hope that the wonderful life & memories with Bill will give you strength . Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Bill you will be missed by all. Your a good man and will be forever.
We all enjoyed your smile and loved seeing you and Gail at the shooting club. You both are, and will always be, a breath of fresh air.
Miss ya buddy. MezTBSC
Dear Billy – I will miss you. Our working relationship has been great, but mostly we will all miss you as a dear friend. Gone too soon, Gail he has left me with wonderful memories. Rest in Peace Billy.
Your smile lit up the room. Your willingness to lend a hand knew no bounds. You were a great friend to the Hardy family Billy and now you are having a beer with my Dad and Jon but there are many Hardy’s that you left behind who will always miss you. Watch over your soul mate and Jim and Linda as their best friend has taken the boat out on a solo fishing trip.
As a retired schoolteacher of 42 years and a loving cousin of 55 years,your report card at HEAVEN’s door has to be as follows; SON A+,HUSBAND A+,GRANDSON A+,BROTHER A+,UNCLE A+,COUSIN A+,NEIGHBOR A+,WORK ETHIC A+,FRIEND A+.I could go on and you’d still be an example for all of us to strive to be.I love you,Billy,forever, so sleep in peace as you have so earned in your short lifetime. P.S.Your MOM can always count on me,and that will never change,but so can GAIL.
We love you!
After attending Bill’s memorial service last night and seeing the huge family, loving wife and the support Bill had in his life it was just amazing. Really when you think about it that is why Bill was such the gentle giant that he was. I would like to talk about his work family and how he was thought of here at APG Electric. He was a brother to all and a mentor to the young and was asked for by customers because of his knowlege and caring for a great job. He was always the one to volunteer himself for special tasks. I really think it was special to see all the members of the Paleo family, his former employer Allphase Electric, the suppliers and customers who were there. That was a huge tribute to the man we will never forget.
Last night at Billy’s memorial everything became clear. I felt a calm as if out on the Gulf of Mexico watching the sun come up-So many good friends and family and seeing how others loved him just made me complete. I can feel Billy’s presence and guidance(wow! what a rush). Our family has been through so much recently with loss of loved ones. Thank you Chief Platts, Scott and Rev Jim for your guidance through these challenged times. I miss my guy!
Gail,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Everyone in the office always looked forward to seeing Bill. He was such a warm and wonderful guy who treated all of us with respect and kindness. May you find strength in the memories of the time you spent together. He will be missed.
Gail, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Captain Bill was a co-worker, mentor and friend for many years. I had the privilege of working with him and the enjoyment of socializing, fishing and shooting with him. No matter what he did, he was always “ALL IN” and pushed you to do your very best. He will be dearly missed.
Dear Gail and family,
Sending my love to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Sharon (Matlock) Marsh
It is with great sadness that I found about Bill’s passing while joining Facebook this month. As a fellow Gasparilla archer and a Hawk Missle Technician myself I truly sorry that his life on earth ended so soon. Gail, and friends, may we all see him again on the other side. God Bless!