William Robert Honea May 22, 1943 - April 6, 2022 Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Bill Honea, 78, passed away peacefully on April 6 th after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Susan Wellner; his sons, Brian (Klancee), Kevin (Roseann), William; his grandchildren, Michael, Jenna Rose, Justin; and his brother, John Frederick. He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Dorothy (Hedgcock), and his son, Christopher. Bill was born in Glendale, CA, and grew up in North Hollywood. After graduating from North Hollywood High School, he attended college for two years locally, then entered the United States Air Force on March 19, 1964. Over the next 42 years he dedicated himself to serving his country: the first 26 years on active duty and the remainder in the tougher job as a military spouse. While on active duty he served in multiple career fields and locations both domestic and foreign. Moving from enlisted to officer status, his jobs ranged from computer programmer to Combat Crew Commander for Minuteman Missiles, culminating in what he felt was his best job, Commander of a squadron. Throughout his career, he felt his most important task was mentoring young officers and enlisted personnel by teaching them to always do the right thing rather than the easy one, a tenet that he lived every day. In 1983, he met Susan (then Captain Wellner); they married in 1986, bringing three wonderful boys into her life. Will was born two years later as the final addition to the family. Together they continued to serve this nation even following Bill’s retirement from active duty in 1990, when Bill happily became Mr. Mom and Chief Cook and Bottlewasher for his family. As the stay-at-home Dad, he was the glue that held the family together and allowed them to soar. After Susan retired in 2006, Bill could justifiably claim 42 years of military service. Bill’s life of service expanded beyond the military and family into doing God’s work within the community. Meals on Wheels, multiple church committees, and church and semi-professional choirs such as the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay all experienced his passion for service to others as well as his humor, voice, and support. Bill was always quick with a smile or a joke to make folks comfortable and bring them into the life that he loved. The things that most filled him with joy included skiing, hunting, fishing, singing, reading, and traveling to visit his friends and family, especially his children and grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, April 24, 2022, 2pm, at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 500 W Platt Street, Tampa, FL. Family will begin receiving friends one hour prior. A reception will be held on site following the service. There will be a Military Honors Service on Monday, April 25, 2022, 2pm at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102 nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513-8914. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, Hyde Park United Methodist Church, or Metropolitan Ministries.