William T. Meinke

Bill, well-known for his kindness, welcoming personality, and wit, led the opening of several new stores. The supermarket leaned on his creativity, having him set up displays during corporate conventions and relying on him to draw in-store advertisements and signage. Bill met his wife Gail at store #1034. That location holds a special place in their heart.

Bill was altruistic with a soft spot for the March of Dimes and United Way, which he made contributions to and participated in fundraising events to support those groups. He loved being involved in the Great American Teach-In, where he spoke to students about the joys of Publix.

Bill was an ardent baseball fan and loved the Tampa Bay Rays, attending the Opening Day game of their inaugural season. He was thrilled to see his favorite team win 100 games this season. Attending the 2017 All-Star Game and Home Run Derby in Miami with son Andrew was a fond memory he frequently reminisced about.

Bill, who was known as “Pap” to his children and grandchildren, had a great sense of humor and a kind word for everyone.

Anyone who knew Bill knew he loved the Hard Rock Casino and glitzy Las Vegas where he and Gail often visited and shared wonderful memories of both.

He enjoyed being outside either strolling on the beach or visiting local parks as well as lively car rides filled with singing and dancing. He liked to listen to Ronnie Milsap, Elton John, and Neil Diamond.

He also enjoyed building Legos which he kept on display in his home, going to Disney with his family and anything that had to do with 1956.

He loved his pups Casey and Russell and once had a dog named Josey, which he named after the Clint Eastwood movie “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” In his spare time, Bill was a movie buff with his favorite films including “Patton,” “Space Balls,” and “The Fifth Element.”

The holidays with his family were his favorite time of year, especially Christmas. During December, you could often find him setting up and enjoying his extensive Christmas Village.

Bill was born on Aug. 31, 1956, in Hoboken, New Jersey, but spent most of his life in Pinellas County, Florida, and graduated from Seminole High School.

Bill passed away peacefully at home with family and his beloved pets. Survivors include his wife Gail Meinke; children, Amy Godsey (Michael), Mark Meinke (Jennifer), Andrew Meinke (Elizabeth), Sarah Salatto (Mark), Addie Mentry, and Jared Green; as well as 6 grandsons, 3 granddaughters, and 1 great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rebecca.

Celebration of Life will be held on October 24, 2021, at Palm Harbor Celebration Centre - 2500 Highland Blvd N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684. Dress will be casual, in tribute please wear either Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Bucs, or your favorite Disney/Superhero attire. Please carpool if possible. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Rays Baseball Foundation: https://raysbaseballfoundation.givingfuel.com/rays-baseball-foundation-general-donation.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776