William Henry (Bill) Heap, 86, was called to Heaven on Jan 25, 2023. He was born in Boston Ma April 27, 1936, to William and Margaret Heap. He was the eldest of 8 children and grew up in Boston. He served in the National Guard for four years. In 1955, he married Elizabeth (Bette) Kirk, and they raised 5 children. He was preceded in death by Bette in 1996 and relocated to Atlanta, Ga.
Bill moved back to Florida and married Diane in 1999 where they settled in Apopka. Bill is survived by his wife Diane, children Cheryl-Ann Bork, (Dale), Lisa Laur, Lynn Brownsword, Lee-Ann Bryant, (Tim), William Heap Jr, and stepson, Sterling Baker, (Liz), sister Margie O'Keefe and brother Robert Heap., as well as 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Bill spent most of his career with Nestle Foods, after relocating to Florida in 1966 as distributor specialist for the state of Florida. He served on the Board of Directors for Florida Tobacco and Candy Association and the Longwood Rotary Club. Prior to moving to Florida, Bill was sales manager for Family Publications, a division of Life Magazine.
He was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church where he served for many years in the Bereavement Ministry. His compassion and gentle manner provided comfort and guidance to those who sought his help in coping with the loss of a loved one.
Bill placed great value on family and always had a kind word and a smile for everyone, especially children. He worked tirelessly for his own children and helped to care for numerous foster babies over a period of years.
In speaking of Bill, people always remark that he was a true gentleman, as well as a dynamic and fun-loving man who could always make someone laugh. He had a great lust for life. He loved dancing, traveling the world on cruises, reading, going to the movies, and just talking to people. Bill was truly a man who "never met a stranger." He will be greatly missed but his memory will live on forever in our hearts.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday Feb. 9, 2023, at 1:00 pm at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 861 Maitland Ave, Altamonte Springs, Fl. A reception will follow the service at Venue on Lake Lilly (Maitland Civic Center), 641 Maitland Ave S., Maitland, FL.
Bill's family asks that all who knew Bill come together to cherish his life and share loving memories of this remarkable man.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of William Heap.