William D. Olinger III's Obituary
Will Olinger was born in Gainesville, Florida, to Bill and Sandra Olinger. The eldest of two siblings, he cherished time with family and friends and shared an especially close bond with his younger brother, Charles.
Will grew up in Gainesville and attended Eastside High School, where he was part of the first class to complete the International Baccalaureate program. He played on the basketball team and was a talented swimmer. After graduating, Will attended Wake Forest University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. During his time at Wake Forest, he was an active member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Serving as Social Chair ultimately led him to cross paths with his future wife, Leigh Ann. The two began dating during their junior year, and Will proposed on the day of their college graduation. They were married in the summer of 1992.
Will and Leigh Ann chose to build their life together in Gainesville, Florida, where they raised their three daughters, Brittney, Katie Grace, and Reece. Will was immensely proud of his girls and deeply devoted to his family. In 1992, he joined Koss Olinger, and over the next three decades, his vision and leadership helped transform the firm into a leading private wealth management company. Most recently, he was stepping into a new role as “Pops” to his grandson.
Will is survived by his wife, Leigh Ann Olinger; his daughters, Brittney Olinger (and her husband David Franklin), Katie Grace Frisbee (and her husband Matthew Frisbee), and Reece Olinger; his grandson, Theodore Franklin; his parents, Bill and Sandra Olinger; his brother, Charles Olinger (and sister-in-law Jesse Olinger); and many extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Will’s memory to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, in memory of his mother-in-law and in honor of his dear friend and mentor.
Britt: My Dad gave. He gave and he gave. To his daughters, he gave his time, resources, and so much love. I cannot remember a childhood sports team of mine that my dad did not coach. Flag football, basketball, soccer - from YMCA to Oak Hall, to girls’ club. He was in the middle of building a remarkable business alongside my grandfather and Mr. Koss, but he always prioritized and emphasized time with his girls. He never missed a single race of mine - always wearing a sherbet green shirt so I could spot him easily in a crowd. He was my greatest cheerleader and mentor - my first call whenever I had a big life decision to make or encountered a problem, I was unsure of how to tackle. Throughout my childhood, I watched as he tirelessly and selflessly built Koss Olinger - it was an honor of a lifetime to work with him over the past 5 years and witness the love and respect he earned from the families he served. I am and always have been so proud of my dad. To have had 29 years on this earth experiencing a father like Will Olinger will forever be my greatest blessing.
Katie Grace: Dad, the honor of my lifetime is being your daughter. You were kind, compassionate, hardworking, fiercely loyal, and unconditionally giving. If my life was a basketball game, you would have every assist. You made everything possible. You dreamed my dreams with me. You supported me. You inspired me. And you showed up every single day for me. When I said I needed you, you dropped everything so I could be in your arms. Well Dad, I need you now. I would break down every door to make my way back into your arms. But I am going to live this life for you. You taught me to be strong, resilient, and confident. You taught me to get back up every time I got knocked down. And I know that you want me to continue to chase my dreams. So, Dad, I will continue to dream my dreams with you. You will continue to have every assist. And even though I can’t call you to tell you about the shots I take, I know you will show up, watch every shot, and cheer me on like you always do. Forever your Sweets.
Reece: I don’t have the words to describe just how incredible a father our dad was. I never imagined this day would come, but I know our father is looking down at us all with nothing but love and hope for us. Our father had the biggest heart of gold and loved with all he had for his family and loved ones. My Dad was one of the biggest role models in my life. He always taught me to love with all of my heart and chase after my dreams. I pray that my dad is at peace with our Lord and Jesus Christ. Growing up watching my father love my mother taught me what real love looks like. I hope and pray for that kind of love someday. I will always cherish our car rides listening to 70s and 80s jams. He taught me how to be strong, yet gentle and to love with patience, grace, and faith. I miss my father beyond what words can express, and I would give anything to be able to give him one more bear hug.
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