Obituary, Visitation & Funeral Information

WILLIAM E. ("BILL") HEISLER, 87, departed his earthly home on Sunday, April 10, 2016, and arrived at his heavenly home to join his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and be reunited with his wife, Betty.
A true Christian gentleman and beloved family man, Bill was born on August 25, 1928, in Montezuma, Georgia. He was the oldest of six (6) children and grew up/attended schools in Clearwater and Largo, Florida.
While working for Boyd Harris, a local pharmacist, he met Betty, a nurse at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater. They were married on May 30, 1950, and Bill became a dedicated husband and father.
Bill passed on his strong work and "Golden Rule" ethics and was a successful salesman for Sunbeam Bread, retiring after 35 years of service and continuing to work in part-time sales. A trustworthy friend to all in Pinellas County, Florida, he resided in "Delightful Dunedin" for over 60 years; where family, friends and neighbors admired Bill's kindnesses. He loved and enjoyed dogs and children, interacting with both during his family walks around downtown Dunedin. Known for his positive, pleasant personality and a love for people, Bill was a popular, outstanding bowler in the Church League at Dunedin Lanes. He also enjoyed competitive horseshoes, recreational tennis, boating, and salt-water fishing with friends and family. His helpful nautical skills were also appreciated by Betty's "Windlasses friends." Bill was a former member, serving as head usher, at Grace Lutheran Church, Clearwater, and later became a faithful, active member of the friendly Heritage United Methodist Church. He was an excellent Master of Ceremonies for various events, including his 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration, and often referred to the Dale Carnegie classes he completed. He and Betty enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad. Bill was an avid sports enthusiast and loved cheering on his University of Florida Gators and Tampa Bay Buccaneers during football season and his Tampa Bay Rays during baseball season. In his latter years he enjoyed dining and fellowshiping at the Country Boy Restaurant with Mario and Charlie. A special "thank you" to all who assisted with "Dad's" care and well-being, making his life more comfortable and enjoyable.
His mother, Ruby; wife, Betty; sister, Amy; and sister-in-law, Jeanette, pre-deceased him. He leaves behind his loving, dedicated family, who will always cherish him. We knew we were loved. Daughter: Marilyn (Mario) Alvarez of Milton. Son: David (Carla) Heisler of Dunedin. Brothers: James (Marlene) Heisler of Clearwater, Herbert Heisler of Simpsonville, S.C., and John Heisler of Homosassa. Sister: Mary (Robert) Jewett of Dunnellon. Grandchildren: Michael Pfost of Portland, Oregon, Lucinda Lafferty of Crawfordville, and William ("Will") Heisler (US Army, 173rd Airborne). Great-grandchildren: Connor, Kiley, Maddie, and India. Also, many special nieces and nephews touched Bill's heart through the years. Finally, the Family is extremely grateful to our "special cousin," friend, and compassionate family leader, Tom (Becki) Campbell of Safety Harbor.

A "Celebration of Life" Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 17 (2:00 p.m. Eastern Time) at the Heritage United Methodist Church, 2680 Landmark Drive, Clearwater, Florida 33761 (Telephone: 727-796-1329) with Pastor Chuck Engelhardt officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow.

With a "twinkle in his eyes," handholding prayers, and "thumbs up" . . . his way of saying, "It is Well With My Soul." WILLIAM ("Bill") HEISLER, a kind man of quiet faith who will truly be missed.

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