On December 1st, 2023, William Arthur Sanstead passed away peacefully at the James A. Haley VA in Tampa, FL. William was born on June 4th, 1947 in Rochester, Minnesota to Kenneth and Geraldine Sanstead. He attended Thiel College then served in the US Airforce as a Staff Sargent. He attended Florida State University where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth "Nini" Lee.
On June 24th, 1978, he married Elizabeth Lee in Dorset, VT. Together, they were happily married for 45 years, spending most of their married life in Pensacola, FL. During their marriage, they had two children and travelled both the country and the world. William is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Sanstead, and their two children, Amanda Sanstead and James Sanstead, as well as James’s wife, Keely. He is also survived by his two granddaughters, Savannah and Audrey, as well as his two brothers, Jack and Pete Sanstead.
William had a successful career as a banker, mortgage broker, and finally as a teacher. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping, biking, and other outdoor activities. He was happiest outdoors and enjoyed the national parks with his children and wife, including Denali and Yellowstone National Parks. Golfing was his passion, and he could often be seen driving around his golf cart even when he wasn't playing. Lover of the arts and history, PBS was a staple in his home, and he often had date nights with his wife with "Call the Midwife" and "Poldark" in the background. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he loved going to their school festivals and watching them play.
We would like to thank those involved with Bill’s care including UF Shands Lung Transplant team, Lifepath Hospice, Empath Hospice, and the James A Haley Hospice unit for their care of Bill throughout his illness. Bill was a double lung recipient 6.5 years ago, and we would like to thank the donor family for the years we were able to spend with Bill and the grandchildren he was able to meet because of their gift.
William’s Celebration of Life will be held on December 27th at 2 PM at Blount & Curry Funeral Home - MacDill Avenue located at 605 S MacDill Avenue Tampa FL 33629. He will have a committal service at Fort Barrancas in Pensacola on 1/19 at 1:30PM.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your local PBS or the National Parks Service in his honor.
William Arthur Sanstead will be remembered fondly by all who knew him for his kind spirit, generous heart, and contagious smile. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
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