William “Bill” Dees passed away peacefully in Longwood, Florida on July 17, 2026, just a few days shy of his 80th birthday.

Bill was born July 26, 1946 in Memphis, TN, as the only son of William “Roy" Dees and Hazel (Toler) Dees. Bill went by “W.T.” during his time in Memphis where he attended Deshler High School before entering the United States Marine Corps in 1964. Upon leaving the Marines in 1968, he enrolled into The University of Memphis (formerly Memphis State University) and graduated in 1972 with a BBA degree, economics major. He then spent the majority of his career in medical equipment sales, which took him to Florida where he lived for almost 50 years.

Bill was a devoted husband for 42 years to the love of his life, Gwen Nugent Dees. He was also a beloved father and grandfather to Ryan Dees (wife, Sue and their children, Logan and Taylor), Matthew Dees (wife, Chelsey and their children, Emeline and Charlotte), Megan Dees McGee (husband, Addison McGee) and Stephanie Dees Knapp (husband, Geoff Knapp and their children, Erik and Kevin).

Bill will be deeply missed, but the love and wisdom he shared remain as guiding lights for those fortunate enough to have known him. His memory will endure in the stories retold, the laughter recalled, and the profound impact he made on the lives around him.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 14 at 1:30pm at Annunciation Catholic Church (1020 Montgomery Rd. Altamonte Springs, FL 32714). All are welcome to attend. For those that can not attend in-person, the ceremony will be live-streamed: https://www.youtube.com/live/VkjmpeW3l7I. 

Flowers can be delivered to Annunciation Catholic Church (c/o William Dees Funeral) by 11am on day of service or, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation online at Moffitt.org/give or by calling 1-800-456-3434 ext. 1403.