Mr. Billy Painter

He moved to St.Petersburg, Florida with his family when he was a teenager, where he attended school and also worked in the restaurant business, bussing tables, and learning the restaurant trade. He married young and had a son, William T. Painter. Bill got a job working for S & S Cafeteria in Winter Park, Florida, and later worked for Continental Foods, in Sanford, Florida. Bill met and fell in love with his wife, Dorothy Painter, and they married March 4, 1972. The two of them made their home in Sanford, Florida, and in 1977, they opened The Colonial Room Restaurant, in downtown Sanford where they worked together to build a family owned, family oriented restaurant, which became the meeting place for many of the business people in Sanford. Bill and Dot owned the Colonial Room for 35 years, when Bill retired and sold the business to long time employee, Michele and her husband Jason Simoneaux. During their marriage Bill and Dot enjoyed many trips to several different countries, many islands, and traveled to many states in the U.S.. They often took their motorcycle and had quite a few adventures through the mountains. When Bill was in the horse patrol, they traveled to different States so Bill could ride with his fellow Shriners at different events. They owned a condo in Georgia, where they went skiing every year and a condo at New Smyrna Beach, where they spent many weekends hosting family and friends. Bill was a member of the Bahia Shriners, ROJ’s, the Elks Club, The Florida Restaurant Association, The Meerkats, The Shriners Clowns, The Shriners Horse Patrol, and many others. He and Dot attended the First Baptist Church in Sanford, and later attended the First Baptist Church of Osteen.

Bill had a passion for life, and if you talked to him for more than a few minutes he was telling you a funny story or joke, because he had a knack for it, as many could tell you. Whether it was riding his Harley, golfing with friends, or hosting get togethers at his home, for family and friends, you could bet he had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.

Upon Bill retirement he became his wife’s full time caregiver until Dot’s death, in 2015. Shortly after, Bill fought and won his first battle with cancer. Then on Christmas Eve 2016, he met his soon to be girlfriend, Jane Fox. They quickly fell in love and became inseparable. Once again, Bill had that twinkle in his eye and was able to enjoy all the things he had missed since his wife’s illness. Bill and Jane enjoyed traveling to South Carolina where Jane owned a motorhome, and she and Bill could lay by the ocean, soaking up the sun. They also traveled to Pennsylvania and Maryland to meet Janes family and to pack up her home, so she could move to Osteen, where they made their home together. Cancer would soon rear it’s ugly head for a second time, and once again Bill fought and won the battle. A year later he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and the next year was given the news that he had Alzheimer’s. He accepted his illnesses just like he did everything else, with dignity, determination and a smile on his face. His illness progressed quickly and in 2023, he sold his property in Osteen and he and Jane moved to Deland, Florida, where they still enjoyed attending Shriner’s functions, Meerkat dinners, and every Sunday attended the Baptist Church in Osteen. Bill and Jane made many happy memories together and when Bill’s illness progressed Jane became not only his loyal, loving partner but his sole caregiver, until his death.

Bill will always be remembered as a loving husband to Dot, a loving partner to Jane, and the best father, stepfather and grandfather, uncle, and friend, that anyone could ask for. He was loved by many and will be sorely missed.

He is preceded in death by his devoted wife, Dorothy Painter; L.C. and Ruth Painter, parents; Freddie Painter and Charles Painter, brothers; and Kayla Painter, granddaughter.

He is survived by his loving partner, Jane Fox; son, William Painter; step daughters, Kathy Skyles, Nora Morgan and Linda Greene; sister, Ann Laderer; 8 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; extended family members and many friends.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607.

Visitation will be held at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 5000 CR 46A, Sanford, Florida, July 13, 2024, from 12 - 2 p.m. with a celebration of life service to follow at 2 p.m.