William Henry Lane

Billy was born to Robert Lee and Ada Silcox Lane in rural Monroe County, Alabama. He was the youngest of ten children and was raised on the original family homestead. Billy spent his childhood on the farm learning the value of hard work and a “hard earned” dollar. In his teens, Jewel Mims, one of his older sisters, influenced him to study accounting and work as a bookkeeper. This led him to a future in business and finance, which would be his passion and livelihood for many years.

Billy married Mattie Lee Fields in 1957, and they later moved to Mobile where he studied accounting at the University of Alabama. A few years later, in his twenties, he became the CFO for Malbis Bakery Company and traveled across the southeast US managing the bread company’s finances. In the early 1960’s, Billy was transferred to the corporate office in Tallahassee where he completed his education in night school at Florida State University. After getting his accounting degree, he went to work for Mr. John H. Phipps as an accountant at WCTV. This was just the beginning of a long and successful 34-year career with the company that would later become John H. Phipps, Inc. During his career he was proud to serve on the Board of Directors for John H. Phipps, Inc, Innovation Park in Tallahassee, the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) based in New York City and others. Billy was also involved with the Elks Club, Capital City Country Club, Lion’s Club, and the Rotary Club. When the corporation divested in 1999, he retired as the Executive Vice-President and CFO. After retirement, he continued to work as a part-time consultant while dedicating more time to his grandchildren and family farm in Gadsden County, affectionately named the Lazy L Farm.

Billy was devoted to his wife and children. He would throw baseballs, hit fly balls, and swing a baseball on a rope (batting practice) with Randy and friends in the backyard. He indulged Suzanne in her love for horses and always made sure they were fed if she was working late or out of town. Billy loved sports and very seldom missed a child’s or grandchild’s football, baseball, softball or volleyball game. He was a long time Seminole Booster and could be seen in the stands supporting FSU baseball, football, and basketball programs.

Some of the “Lake Bradford kids” describe Mr. Billy as a father figure and confidant who was admired, respected, and loved by many. He was a man of few words with a calm, quiet demeanor and an infectious grin. Billy’s wit and smile would always bring laughter and more smiles to those around him. Later in life, his most cherished times were spent at the Lazy L which included Thanksgivings with family and friends, planting for wildlife, bush-hogging briars and dog fennels, watching sports, grilling steaks on Saturday night for anyone that was around, listening to tall tales, and telling wild stories about growing up on a subsistence farm in LA (Lower Alabama) during the Great Depression. In fact, Billy told many “they were so poor that they never knew there was a depression, but they always had plenty to eat.” According to his stories, he was the best at two things: picking cotton because he was short and low to the ground and cracking a bullwhip from a horse.

Billy had an amazing memory and could do numbers in his head faster than a calculator. He was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling with friends to museums and other places that involved learning and history. It was always a priority to attend the yearly Lane family reunion at the old home place in Goodway, Alabama and later in Columbus, Georgia with his siblings and extended family. Billy will always be remembered for his honesty and his integrity and will remain a role model for his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Mattie, his children, Randall Burton Lane and wife Lea, daughter Suzanne Renee Lane, his grandchildren Walker Lane and wife Caterina, Burton Lane, and Madison Lane.

The family will receive friends and remember Billy’s life on Thursday, June 5th, 2025, from 5:30-7:30pm at the family farm in Gadsden County (1034 Kittrell Road, Quincy, FL). This will be a casual, outdoor event to share fun stories and happy memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center, 1775 One Healing Place, Tallahassee, FL 32308 or the Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Road, Tallahassee, FL 32310.