William "Handsome Bill" East

William I. East passed away on June 11, 2015 at 83 years of age, into the arms of his Lord Jesus. Born June 19, 1931 in High Point, N.C., he was the oldest of six children. Preceded in death, Richard East, Eugene East, Jean Wisnosky & Manuel East. He is survived by his sister Estell McDowell, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved wife Patricia of 49 years. William had 6 loving children, Dawn East (Nick Maodus), Barbara Kelso (Brian), Bill East, Debbie Oliver, Jim East, & Jeff East. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 2 new great- grandchildren, and many other family members including his mother-in-law Hildred Jana, who sat by his bedside for countless hours and days. In addition to their 6 children, “Handsome Bill” & his lovely wife Patricia also opened their home to 16 foster children from 1970-1980, never failing to provide a safe and loving home for any who needed it. He served in the Navy 1948-1952, spending three of those years on a submarine. He was on the Miami Fire Department for more than 25 years where he was advanced to Captain, and then spent two years as assistant fire marshal. Captain East retired in good standing in 1979. His entire life was spent in the service of others, and he was considered a hero to all who knew him. In his later years, through endless doctor’s visits and hospital stays, Captain East continued to be an everyday hero by reaching out to those around him. He told people they were beautiful constantly, he shared hugs with strangers, and left every person he met with a smile on their face. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but is surely embracing the Lord in Heaven right this very moment. The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, June 14, 2015 from 2 PM to 3 PM at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home Goldenrod Chapel, 7520 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL. 32792. Funeral services will follow at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers donations should be directed to Hospice of the Comforter in Altamonte Springs, FL as well as St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.