William Wetzel

William G. "Billy" Wetzel, III, a native Floridian, born July 11, 1963 in Baptist Hospital lost his 19-year battle with cancer on Friday, February 4, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. He was raised in South Florida by his dad, William G. Wetzel, Jr. and his mother, Mary Lou Wetzel (deceased). Billy attended Dade Christian Academy and Hialeah High School. He was a graduate of Santa Fe Community College and attended the University of Florida. He was a loyal "Gator" and Sigma Chi. He loved sports and children and enjoyed his career serving the community through working with its youth. He started at the Boys and Girls Club of Gainesville. He began a career in Parks and Recreation at the City of North Lauderdale and ultimately became the Director of Leisure Services at the City of Wilton Manors. He loved coaching youth baseball and soccer. He is survived by his sweetheart and wife, Lori Jean Wetzel, who was the love of his life; his two sons, Connor William (age 11) and Dylan Sebastian (age 9) whom he loved dearly. Collectively, they were the sun, moon, and the stars. He is also survived by his dad Bill and step-mom Linda, his devoted sister Lori Salas, loving brother James F. Wetzel and sister-in-law Marie T. Wetzel, nephew Eric M. Salas, nieces Megan and Amanda Wetzel, Aunt and Uncle Yancy and Lamar Simmons, cousins Sharla Simmons and Allison McKinney and her husband Jon, and second cousins Mason and Mallory McKinney. The family would like to express their appreciation for the care and support received from Billy's friend and physician Dr. Pasquale Benedetto and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami as well as the leaders and employees of the City of Wilton Manors. An outdoor memorial service will be held for family and friends on Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. at Volunteer Park, 12050 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation, FL. Condolences can be shared at www.fredhunters.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Billy's name to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center or the American Cancer Society .