William English, Jr.

William Perry English, Jr., born in Alva, Fla. on Feb. 24, 1934 flew away home on Wednesday night, April 14, 2010 right after leading prayer meeting at Olga Baptist Church. His childhood years were spent in Alva, and he attended high school in Toms River, NJ, where he played center on the undefeated football team. An expert at aerodynamics as well as a gifted craftsman, he built championship flying airplane models, and sailed his snipe on Barnegat Bay during his high school years. He "worked" his way through high school as a pinsetter at the local bowling alley there. After high school, Bill joined the U.S. Navy Reserve. He worked his way through college as a part time pipe fitter. He frustrated many a union pipe fitter when his superiors would use his welds as examples of perfect workmanship. He was mechanically inclined to a fault, and could build, mould, draw, hammer, carve, weld or rig anything with uncanny expertise. He was an incredible inventor and artistic craftsman. Bill's mechanical aptitude was excelled only by his intellect. A voracious reader to the end, he never stopped being a history major. He lamented the fact that college has denigrated to what he called "glorified trade school". He attended Kings College, Bob Jones University (where he met his bride), and graduated from Florida State University in 1962 with a B.A. in Liberal Arts. His post-graduate accomplishments were numerous, and he became a renowned safety engineer. Bills career highlights are numerous, and can be found at www.professionalsafetyengineer.com His crowning achievement was his invention and marketing of the English XL, the world's undisputed leading slip meter, patented as the only one of its type. His invention lives on at Excel Tribometers, LLC. Bill's monetary career was distinguished, but his true career was a life of devotion to his savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. A devout Christian from adolescence, Bill never wavered, and fought the good fight to the end, finishing the race in fine form. He has heard the words from God every Christian hopes for: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant". Bill is survived by his son, Perry and his wife Kathryn; grandchildren Hunter Ramsey and Wynne Melland; great-grandson Aidan; sister F. Carol English (Bitsy); brother George McLean (Mac); and a slew of nephews, nieces, and friends. Bill was predeceased by his daughter, Kate Elizabeth English, who is now enjoying his company immensely. A graveside service will be held 10am Monday April 19th, 2010 in Alva Cemetery. Bill was very pragmatic, and would have liked donations, in lieu of flowers, sent to Olga Baptist Church, 2634 South Olga Drive, Fort Myers, Fla. 33905 (239)694-2012. Arrangements by Anderson – Patterson Cremation and Funeral Services 2701 Lee Blvd. Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 (239) 368 – 7080. To send condolences, please visit www.andersonpatterson.com.