William Olin Escue's Obituary
Devoted naturalist William Olin Escue of Gainesville, born 1946 in Memphis, TN, departed this life peacefully on May 3, 2016. He joins his parents, Jim Escue and Johnnie (Minner) and Bill Humphries, and his nephew, Nicholas Sharp, at the eternal fishing hole in the sky.
Bill was a US Navy veteran, formerly employed at the University of Florida and retired from the Alachua County Library district. He lived in Alachua County for most of his adult lifeand was particularly fond of the Santa Fe River and other Florida waterways for fishing, hunting,camping, paddling, and birdwatching. Bill's best times were spent on the water or out in nature with loved ones. He enjoyed researching topics that caught his attention and sharing his knowledge, ideas, and stories freely.
Among those loved ones he leaves behind are his children, Stephanie Escue-Milch and Eric Milch of Gainesville and William "Will" Escue of Alachua; siblings, Sam and Sara Escue, Bob and Bonnie Escue, Gracie and Sonny Strawn, Joyce and Nelson Sharp, and Emmett and Darlene Woodard; grandsons Christopher, Evan and Elijah Milch; and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and close friends.
He always parked in the shade.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00am Saturday, May 28, at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street, Gainesville, followed by burial in the Evergreen Cemetery, 401 SE 21st Ave, Gainesville, with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Our Santa Fe River, Inc. (www.oursantaferiver.org), Springs Eternal Project (www.springseternalproject.org), Florida Trail Association (www.floridatrail.org) or a nature/environmental cause that is close to your heart.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?
