William Earl Sullivan Sr., of Jacksonville, Fla., died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at home under hospice care after a long battle with cancer and diabetes.
Born in Washington, N.C., Jan. 28, 1931, to Theodore and Hilda Sullivan, William, or Bill as he was more commonly known, was a proud former Marine and a career railroad employee for CSX Transportation. He graduated Bath High School, Class of 1949, he was an avid fisherman and storyteller, always with a great story to share. He was an avid reader and loved studying the history of Florida, his North Carolina roots and American history. Most of all, he loved Patricia Ann, his wife of 40 years. They were introduced in church in Miami, Fla., and with her three children and their two children, they merged their families and built a beautiful life together. Toward his final days, he tried not to show the difficultly he faced with increasing pain and struggle of his illnesses. His positive attitude and sense of humor was an inspiration to all who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.