Obituary for William Lloyd Dorsey
William Lloyd Dorsey, 82, of Palatka, FL passed from this life on Friday, December 18, 2020 at his home following an extended illness. He was born at Glendale Hospital in Glendale, WV on June 5, 1938 to Lloyd Dorsey and Mary Margaret Barr Dorsey. He moved to Cocoa Beach, FL a few years after his graduation in 1956 from Moundsville High in Moundsville, WV. Bill worked with the astronauts at the Cape. He transported them to the launch site and was also responsible for the safety equipment like the gas masks and life support systems. He trained everyone in how to wear their safety suits, as well as being responsible for maintaining the suits. He was working there when the three astronauts were killed in Apollo 1 capsule. Bill later worked in power plants as a machinist and master mechanic.
Bill had a love for classic cars and was well known for his 1932 Chevy Coupe, which he bought from the original owner in 1957. He had raced and restored this coupe several times over the years. When not in the coupe he would be on the water fishing or other water activities.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Billy Jr., sisters, Sally Lehasky and Sissy Bell and their spouses.
Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Shirley Wood Dorsey, sister-in-law, Sharon Wood Yoho and his extended family, Randy and Joann Largacci, Zachary Mast, Kelsee Largacci and Ethan Largacci. Bill was known as “Uncle Bull” to these children. He thoroughly enjoyed and loved his family. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as longtime friend Ray McKinney.
Bill was one of the smartest and kindest man and was also known for his wisdom and wit, as he was a teacher and mentor to many.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the building fund at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, P O Box 370, Palatka, FL 32178.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at William’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com .
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.
Bill had a love for classic cars and was well known for his 1932 Chevy Coupe, which he bought from the original owner in 1957. He had raced and restored this coupe several times over the years. When not in the coupe he would be on the water fishing or other water activities.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Billy Jr., sisters, Sally Lehasky and Sissy Bell and their spouses.
Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Shirley Wood Dorsey, sister-in-law, Sharon Wood Yoho and his extended family, Randy and Joann Largacci, Zachary Mast, Kelsee Largacci and Ethan Largacci. Bill was known as “Uncle Bull” to these children. He thoroughly enjoyed and loved his family. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as longtime friend Ray McKinney.
Bill was one of the smartest and kindest man and was also known for his wisdom and wit, as he was a teacher and mentor to many.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the building fund at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, P O Box 370, Palatka, FL 32178.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at William’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com .
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.