William J. Lynn (Billy) passed peacefully on August 9th, 2015, but his spirit moves on through his wife of 15 plus years, Dorothea J. Lynn; four children: Sara J. Lynn, Nona Fishley (husband Bill), Cindy Whedbee, and Elizabeth Feagan (husband Jason); four grandchildren, Michael and Jesse (Sara), Mary (Nona), and Riley (Elizabeth); extended family of stepchildren: Ralph Lestingi, Michael Lestingi, and Christina Marie Lestingi (children of Dorothea); and mother-in-law, Connie Marie Barker.
Billy Lynn was born in Palatka, Florida in 1938 to the late, Robert and Isabelle Lynn. He was the oldest of five children. His siblings include Robert (deceased), Wade, Jimmy, and Judy. Growing up in Gainesville and surrounding areas, he had many adventures with his siblings and the memories of what they shared will stay alive in them forever.
He was very accomplished during his lifetime. A 20-year Navy Veteran serving on the USS Midway and USS Intrepid and also serving three times in Vietnam, Billy received numerous medals and citations such as the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Antarctica Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Billy was Honorably discharged from the Navy and soon attended college, receiving his Bachelors Degree and became not only a Broker, but an auditor for the Florida Real Estate Commission. He then decided to switch and become an auditor for the Real Estates in Florida and help them keep their books in order. So, instead of worrying about Billy J. Lynn auditing them tightly for the state, they welcomed him to keep their agencies up and running. He was also a Professor at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, FL, teaching Real Estate. He put together the exam for the Florida Real Estate Commission.
His biggest accomplishment was finding the Lord. Billy became a Pastor and loved learning about God. He later taught Sunday School in order that others will understand the true meaning of Christianity and being saved. Up to the end, he was working on courses about the Lord and receiving certificates of completion. The Word of God had a special place in his heart.
Military Services will be presented at graveside, 10:45 AM on Tuesday, August 25th at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33744, (727) 319-6479.
Sara and Nona I am so sorry to hear about your daddy. He was a great man of God. And a great man all around. I have many fond memories of all of us growing up together. Love you 2 ladies and May God keep you in this time of pain and grief. Keep your head up and know that Bro. Billy is watching over you.
Sara, Dottie and family…I am very sorry for you loss. No one will ever be able to replace this great man in your lives and I know this is the toughest of times. Your father, your husband and the empty space. Although I haven’t spent much time around you, Dottie, I do know Sara very well and she has always spoken very highly of you and her father; and the very special bond that the three of you shared. I know that through prayer and supporting each other that you will help each other make it through this very difficult time. Very much love to you all and especially Sara, we haven’t spoke in quite some time; but I have so much respect for you holding yourself together to stay with Dottie and handle the hardest thing the two of you will ever go through together. Love you.