Bill Lavender Jr., 79, was born May 11, 1947, in Eustis, Florida, and passed away September 20, 2026, in Winter Haven, Florida. A lifelong resident of Central Florida, Bill devoted his years to faith, family, and steady service to others, living with the quiet dignity of a man who understood the value of presence, prayer, and purpose. Bill earned a Bachelor’s degree and answered a calling to ministry, serving as a pastor and finding a spiritual home at Dona Vista Baptist Church. His life reflected a deep commitment to the work of caring for people—offering guidance, encouragement, and constancy with a respectful, measured spirit that left an enduring impression on those who knew him. Bill was preceded in life by his parents, William Whitney Lavender Sr. and Malvina Pauline Lavender and daughter, Elizabeth Brooke Lavender. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Burgess of Polk City, FL; sons, Marcus Lavender of Gordonsville, TN, Jeremy Lavender of Orlando, FL, Jordan Lavender of Jacksonville, FL, Daniel Lavender of Murfreesboro, TN; daughter, Bonnie Young of Brentwood, TN; step-son, Timothy Burgess of Sebastian, FL; step-daughter, Tanis Burgess of Orlando, FL; siblings, Debbie, Martha, and Larry; and 8 grandchildren. Services will be held at Harden-Pauli Funeral Home, 1617 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726 on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Eustis.
