William "Bill" Allard

William “Bill” Edward Allard born September 4, 1950 passed away of complications related to cancer in his home in Seminole, Florida with family by his side on January 28, 2025. In 2013, Bill was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and was sent to Hospice with two months to live in September. In January 2014, he was declared cancer free. Doctors called him the “Miracle Man”, and he continued to make a difference in the world during the last 12 years. Before passing, his final thoughts were that “He will be off having fun in another dimension!”

Bill was born and raised in the “Southside Irish” area of Chicago, Illinois with his six siblings. He moved to Florida in 1986 and lived in the St. Petersburg, Florida area since 1998. Bill met Chris shortly after moving there, and they were married on February 15, 2003. Bill’s life and personality were larger than life, and he could light up a room with great storytelling, jokes, fun, laughter, and excitement. If you were hanging out with Bill Allard, then you knew that you were in for a great time!

He was an avid sports fan especially in Basketball, Football and Baseball for teams in Tampa Bay and Chicago. He loved to play golf, especially with his son and grandson. You could always catch him at a game, or watching one on TV with friends and family. He loved music and often attended live events, and he could be found singing loudly at a local bar to some of his favorite Irish tunes! Bill loved to travel throughout the US (including regular trips to San Francisco to visit his daughter and family) and internationally.

Bill had a successful real estate business as an Investment Realtor, expansive volunteer life, law enforcement career, author of several books, passion for politics and a commitment to Unity spiritual teachings. Bill obtained his Bachelors in Law Enforcement from Chicago State University. He held a police officer position in Chicago, and he followed in his father’s footsteps working as Rail Road Detective. Before graduating from Chicago State University, he met a man in class that introduced him to Real Estate.

Bill learned quickly how to thrive in the world, and he was a salesman from an early age. For over fifty years, Bill grew his real estate career from a sales agent to the President/Founder of multiple thriving real estate companies including AB Trading Realty, LLC and Investment Trading Realty, Inc. providing him with financial independence. He achieved the professional designations of CCIM and SRS. In addition, he held multiple board member positions including CLEAN-Coalition for a Livable Environment and Neighborhoods, and Peace River Club Homeowner’s Association.

Bill continued to achieve great success in many areas of his life, and he wanted to make a difference in the world. He had a passion for politics and was elected as President of the Chicago Ridge Park District Commission as a young man. He authored four books including “Safeguarding Our Children”, “Life Is Easy; God Said So”, “Mysticism In The Village”, and “Hoodlum’s Miracle”. While continuing his crusade to make a difference in the world, he received volunteer related awards including Pinellas County Mentor of the Year nominee and Recipient of the John Brogle “Spirit Award” by the Marty Lyons Foundation.

Bill received a basketball college scholarship at Western Illinois University in 1968, and he took what he learned and held multiple volunteer Basketball coaching roles throughout Chicago and Florida. His passion for volunteering expanded into many other areas including work as an elementary and middle school reader and lunch buddy, mentor for Take Stock in Children, Big Brother in Pinellas and Charlotte Counties, and Treasurer of Toastmasters City Power Club. While volunteering with Kiwanis, Bill was Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Pinellas Park, Past Vice President of Kiwanis Club of St. Petersburg, swim instructor, fishing derby volunteer, and mentor of Pinellas Park High Key Club. Bill believed in second chances and wanted to ensure fair justice in the legal system. As a result, he was a Cofounder of the Life Path Group Project and Programs for Prison Ministry and President of Transformation & Re-Entry, Inc.

Bill’s life was filled with spiritual learnings from growing up in an Irish Catholic family to becoming a Licensed Unity Teacher. In addition, he was a Graduate of the Oneness University in India as a principal Oneness Meditation Facilitator and as a “Oneness Trainer”, ordained minister in the Seraphic Order of the Flowering Heart, Sunday school teacher at Unity of St. Petersburg and First Unity Church, Treasurer and Member of the Board of Trustees – First Unity Church, and President of DuPage Church of Religious Science. Bill married many couples including the weddings of his son Erik and daughter Kellie. He was proud that every couple that he married was ‘still married’!

Bill Allard is survived by his wife of 21 years, Chris Allard, children include Kellie Beale and husband Kraig Beale, Erik Allard and wife April Allard, and Matt Kolb and fiancée Kayleigh L’Eon, grandchildren include Mitchell Allard, Haley Allard, Dillon Fernandas, Kassie Beale, Chloe Idle and Anise Burkholder, and siblings include Margaret Allard, Ed Allard, Mary Allard, Jim Griffin and Betty Griffin. His brother, Joe Griffin, preceded him in death.

The family wishes to acknowledge the medical staff and many care providers to Bill. In particular, Chris, his loving wife, who provided daily loving support with his ongoing medical needs. And, heartfelt thanks to all our friends and family for your kind support over the years and at this time of loss. The family plans to hold a Celebration of Life Service at Unity of St. Petersburg located at 6168 1st Avenue N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 on February 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s honor may be sent to the Neighborly Senior Care of Pinellas County (he was a Meals on Wheels delivery driver) or Sierra Club (he was actively involved and held a lifetime membership).