William (Bill) Nelson Knipp, 75, passed on Saturday, July 25, 2015 in Tampa, FL at the James Haley Veteran’s Hospital.
Bill was born in Dearborn, Michigan on September 25, 1939 to parents Jean and Norman Knipp. Bill graduated from Edsel Ford High School in 1957. He then attended the United States Air Force Academy where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1962. Bill was a talented basketball player in high school and at the Air Force Academy where he was the Captain of the team.
Bill was an Air Force veteran and served during the Vietnam War, where he received many medals and awards. After his service in the Air Force, Bill flew for Continental Airlines; based in Denver, CO. When he retired from Continental Airlines, he moved to Tampa, FL and went to work for Peterbilt of Tampa. He also worked in real estate with Prudential and had his own Re/Max franchise with his wife Gayla. Once he decided to really retire from professional life he had a job which touched his heart with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department working as a crossing guard for Clark Elementary.
Bill loved his grandchildren and would plan vacations around their football, baseball, soccer and tennis tournaments. He and Gayla loved to take cruises and travelled all around the world. He loved a good game of poker with his neighborhood friends, “friendly” card games with his family.
Bill is survived by his wife of 25 years, Gayla; daughter Lisa Ann; son and daughter-in-law David and Lisa Lynette; treasured grandchildren Jacob and Riley; his sister and brother-in-law Norma and Art Zammit; niece Leah Zammit; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ken and Ruth Queen; former wife Patricia and countless friends who adored him.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 1st at 10:00am at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina in the Il Terrazzo room. 700 South Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602. Hotel phone is 813-221-4900. Please note there is valet parking for $13.50/day and City Garage parking across the street for $9.50/day. We ask that no flowers be sent.
We appreciate everyone’s ongoing love, support and prayers! If you wish, you may write your favorite memory or thought of Bill/Dad here!
Gayla, Lisa, David and all: Bill’s passing is indeed a sad moment. What a special friend, beginning at the tender age of 18 and lasting for almost 60 years! The memories are flooding us…adventures together as cadets and young lieutenants just learning to fly. Sharing success on the basketball court, with only the occasional need to help calm Bill’s fiery temper! Watching Bill deal with life’s challenges, always with grace, a positive attitude and ever-present focus on the welfare of his friends. A man to be admired, and one that we are proud to have called our friend. God Bless you all, and the entire family…don’t forget that God’s plan includes reunion…a reunion filled with joy that will last forever. We will someday be together again, a promise in which we take great comfort. All our love, Butch and Debbie Viccellio
Gayla, Lisa and David – we met when we were 17 years old and were fast friends ever since, USAFA, double-dating, sports, new cars, marriage, Air Force, kids, and finally life with all its ups and downs. Bill was the epitome of what a friend can be. Rose and I treasure our friendship and memories of him and all of you. His parting brings tears to our eyes and lumps to our throats, but his smile lives in our hearts forever – Don & Rose
I was surprised and dismayed to hear of Bill’s passing. Through the strange and wonderful mechanisms of the Air Force assignment system, Bill and I followed the same career path for the first five and a half years after graduating from the Air Force Academy: one year in pilot training, a month in survival school at Stead AFB (we drove there together), two years as co-pilots in the KC-97 at Selfridge Field, Michigan, checkout school in C-130s (we were roommates there) and one year in C-130s at Dyess AFB. It doesn’t seem that long ago that he and I were exchanging jokes as we walked across the Dyess ramp in our flight suits in the hot sun. I love the picture: it shows the same quirky, slightly self-mocking smile that was Bill’s trademark. I’m looking forward to tipping back a cold one on Saturday in a toast to Bill’s next assignment. I’m just sorry he won’t be there to tell me what he thinks of it.
Uncle Bill was such a “regular” guy that I often forget what an extraordinary life he led and how many people he touched and influenced. He was brilliant- I remember seeing his grades and class schedule from his first year at the Air Force Academy and being completely awed; He was distinguished- his career had many facets, but, no matter what he pursued, it was always full speed ahead with grace and an unwavering commitment for excellence; He loved- the love Bill had for his family was his true motivation and passion. I remember attending his wedding to Gayla and I can still see the intensity of feeling he had in his eyes as he looked at her during the ceremony. As for his children and grandchildren- well. . . they truly had his heart! He was so incredibly (and rightfully) proud of each of their accomplishments as they grew up and cherished the time he spent with them. There are some things I will always remember because the stories were told to me (my mom-his sister- told me of the time he brought her to an Air Force Academy ball as his “date,” and, of course, when he gave her away at to my father at there wedding). And, there are some things I will never forget because he touched my life too—his patience in “getting me up” on water skis for the first time, his glee at “taking the pot” in family poker showdown, his sharing stories with me of Grandma Jean, his love and attention to my children- Alex especially, who loved and greatly respected time spent with Uncle Bill. I am so sad you are gone, but so grateful you were a part of my life.
Leah
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I flew with him some during my days at the Old Continental, and always found him to be a very capable pilot and all-around good guy. I would appreciate it if someone would hoist a cold one or two in his memory for me.
Blue skies and following winds, Bill….
Another sad day for the surviving Original RTBs. The news stimulated a flood of wonderful memories of “Knipper.”
I miss Bill. We played basketball together at pilot training. I have a picture (somewhere) of us sitting at the back of the pilot training classroom smoking cigars. Love to all his family!
Dave
So sorry to hear about Bill. Steve and I always enjoyed being around him. He will be missed
Gayla and family,
It saddens me to hear that Mr. Bill has passed!
Although, it has been a while that I’ve seen him, he holds a very special memory in my heart! Bill was such a pleasure to be around! He will be truly missed. Will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers with sincere sympathy.
Michelle Lawson
Dear Gayla,
We are sad to learn of Bill’s passing. The first things that come to mind about Bill are his wonderful, sincere smile and the way he treated everyone with respect. Our visits with the two of you in Tampa were always one of the special highlights of those times. Sending you muc love, Jack and Dorrine
So sorry for your loss. I worked for Bill at Peterbilt of Tampa. He was a great boss, as well as a friend. I’m sure he’ll be missed by all those close to him.
With the passing of a good friend there is always a sense of loss and grief. At the same time, I must say I feel privileged to have known and worked with Bill through the years. As Jim Michaels said in his announcement to the Old Continental Pilots of Bill’s passing, “he was a quality guy with a great sense of humor” and he hit the nail on the head.
Bill was cut of special cloth!
Bill was my boss in Denver as Chief Check Airman and as a new Check Airman I really appreciated his easy going but thorough manor of approaching the job. Because of our connection through work we became very close friends and had some wonderful times together including several trips to Lake Powell, both with families on house boats and just the guys on fishing trips. There was never a dull moment. We even celebrated Bill’s birthday around a campfire on the lake one year.
Following the bankruptcy and strike at Continental, Bill ran the strike center in DEN and was the glue that helped hold us all together. I think he took it upon himself to be there 24/7. I can’t think of a single time I was there that Bill wasn’t “On Duty”.
Even though our paths went in different directions after the bankruptcy we stayed in touch and managed to get together several times in Tampa when I had a layover with US Air. Whenever possible Bill would include Gayla in our activities. I am so happy to know that even in “retirement” Bill choose to work as a crossing guard for an elementary school. If that doesn’t paint a picture of Bill I don’t know what does!
Bill, may your trip west be gentle and smooth. We are going to miss you!
Bob Shanks
It’s so hard for me to be upbeat and positive as I write this…Mr. Bill was a dear friend for many years as he met us every morning and afternoon on the corner by Clark Elementary. Being greeted every morning with his cheerful voice, genuine concern, tongue in cheek humor and handsome smile was something that my four boys and I very much looked forward to. And I got to hear about all the adventures you’ve all mentioned here. We’re both from Michigan, love watching our kiddos in sports, and have a positive attitude. We had a great friendship. When I heard about his passing….I’m sorry. I was devastated. And I looked at my boys who almost considered him as close as a grandfather…I had to force myself to celebrate his life, rather than mourn his death. But I want you to know, Gayla…I’m going to miss him so much. And if I could just say a few more things to him, i would feel so much more at peace. I want to tell him thank you. Thank you for coming to Evan’s baseball games. God, I can’t tell you what that meant to my family. I think he enjoyed it just as much, as not living close to his grandkids it may have filled a void until he could get there to watch them. I would tell him that the time he spent singling each of them out, paying just as much attention to each kid he encountered was a gift of his. He was attentive and kind. I would remind him that he did exactly what he said he wanted to do. For years he said he would wait to retire until my youngest started school there. And he did. And it meant so much to Dane to see him there. Like a right of passage, ya know? And he made him feel so big and important. You see, I’ve always heard that quote about people not remembering what you say or what you do, but how you made them feel. That was his specialty. And I want him to know he made me, my husband and every single one of our kids feel special, important, and valued. It was my absolute pleasure meeting and having a great friendship with Bill. A pleasure meeting and becoming friends with you, Gayla. And as I sit here I can tell myself with complete certainty that I do celebrate him and am honored to have been touched by him. Rest in Peace Bill. I miss you already.
Carrie and Bryan Mobley
Jacob, Evan, Brett and Dane
To Gayla and Mr. Bill’s Family,
There aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe what Mr. Bill meant to our family. I’ll share what my 12yr. old son,Victor said to him 2 yrs. ago. As Victor was leaving elementary school and headed to middle school .. He told Mr. Bill that he was his first friend at Clark elementary. From the first day to the last day of school for 6 yrs. Victor looked forward to seeing him because He made everyday a special day at Clark . I’ll share my mom story.. One day at early dismissal Monday. I forgot to pick up Victor and he called me and said.. Mrs. Roberts where are you? you’re late !! today is early dismissal, but don’t worry I have Victor, we are here just chatting away on the corner. :) That became our joke every Monday until Victor graduated. My husband and I felt so blessed having him watch over Victor everyday. We considered him an extension of our family. His warm and loving way of greeting the kids in the neighborhood was an outstanding 5 Star performance everyday. Thinking back to all the times I walked back to my car after dropping Victor off at school, and chatting with him and exchanging family stories. Brings a smile to my face. So much love when he spoke of his children & grandchildren, great stories of his family. He touched so many of our lives with just a simple greeting, he will forever live in my family’s hearts. We will miss him, and his beautiful spirit. May you rest in peace Mr. Bill.
Love you always,
Ivelisse, Bruce and Victor Roberts
Mr. Bill, we will miss you so much. 7 years at Clark of you taking care of my babies. My oldest you took care of when he fell off his bike and walked him to the nurse to make sure he was ok… He thought the world of you. Then we were fortunate enough that my younger three got to know and love you every day they rode their bike to school. I and my babies missed you so much when you retired. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and I pray Mr. Bill that you feel all the love we are sending to you.
You will always hold a special place in my heart and my children’s.
The Plumbs
Alena, Mike, Calvin, Aidan, Amber & Lainey
Knipp Family,
What an AMAZING man!!! My 4 children went to Clark Elementary until we moved 2 years ago. We were blessed to have made a friend in Mr Bill. We looked forward to seeing him every morning and every afternoon. We have so many fond memories… My youngest was always greeted with “Here comes trouble” whenever he passed by, He helped us check on baby bunnies in the bushes, He kept the gator at bay who wandered from the pond across the street so that the kids could make it safely home, He bought Girl Scout cookies from my girls and he ALWAYS greeted us with conversation and a smile. Safety was his first priority, and for that, I am extremely greatful. He will leave a lasting memory in both our hearts and minds.
Rest In Peace Mr Bill.
Kristin, Jeff, Kimberlin, Alexis, Matt and Andrew Brown
Our deepest regrets on Bill’s passing. His presence will be missed among the remaining RTBs. Godspeed, Bill, on the journey that awaits us all.
Mary and I send our thoughts in memory of a great friend and classmate. We will miss him and always remember Bill’s great contribution to his class and country.
Bill was a treasured member of the Class of 1962, the infamous RTBs. Bill allowed us to tell the gullible that RTB meant “really tall and bright” with conviction. He was a great one and will be missed until the great reunion in the sky.
We are so deeply saddened to hear the news of Bill passing. We lived next door to this amazing family and always enjoyed our talks. He was always so friendly and kind. Our thoughts and prayers are for the entire family. If we can do anything, please do not hesitate to call us.
Dear family,
I was sorry to read about my friend Bill. We worked together at Prudential RealEstate in temple terrace. We enjoyed some very lite moments talking about aviation and things happening around us. Unfortunionly we lost contact when Bill and Gaylor opened their own office.Bill had a toughness about him that I enjoyed.You always knew what Bill was thinking and he would let you know. I am sorry that I could not attend his good bye last week.ihave trouble getting around when it requires much walking. He was a good person and I will keep him in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Joe Grace
I was try to find his number to call him today and find out that
he pass away. My friend and Real Estate mentor, I will keep you in my heart.