William Lee Reiff

William Lee Reiff (Bill) of Ft. Myers, FL, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of November 29, 2025, just 10 days before his 102nd birthday. He was born on December 9, 1923 in Middleton, Ohio, to Harry Reiff and Marie (Wendt) Reiff. He had one older sister, Virginia Reiff Lorenz, who predeceased him.

Bill was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving as a First Lieutenant in the 8th Air Force stationed in Steeple Morden, England, where his faithful cocker spaniel, “Dutch,” would follow him to the end of the runway and wait patiently for his return after each mission. Bill piloted a P-51 Mustang fighter plane emblazoned with his girlfriend’s name, “Joyce Lee”, across its fuselage during the D-Day invasion over the beaches of Normandy as well as in Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He participated in bomber escort missions and strafing raids over enemy territory in the European Theater. Before the war Bill attended The Citadel in North Carolina and afterward attended Denison University for a short time before marrying “the girl next door” from his hometown, Joyce Lee Wilson.

During his military service Bill earned the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, six Oak Leaf Clusters, and the European American-Middle Eastern Service Medal.

Bill and Joyce were married in December 1946 and have four surviving sons: Michael (Karen), Scott (Denise), Gregory (Kathy), and Tracy (Teena). Joyce passed away on October 11, 2010. They enjoyed a happy marriage that lasted for 64 glorious years. In addition to their four sons Bill is survived by seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

After returning from military service Bill built a successful career in the grocery industry, working his way up from the bottom. He eventually served as President of the ALMACS supermarket chain which operated in Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts. He later joined Thorofare Supermarkets, serving stores in western Pennsylvania and Ohio before retiring in the 1980s.

Bill lived a long and memorable life, known for his kindness, strong work ethic, and dry sense of humor. He was well-liked by his employees and acquaintances and had many close friends throughout his life. Bill and Joyce were avid golfers and spent much of their married life living along the fairways of courses in Rhode Island, Georgia, and Florida.

Bill will be cremated and interred alongside his wife at Sarasota National Cemetery in Florida. There’ll be a informal memorial at Shell Point Village in Ft Myers where he resided in January (date to be determined), followed by a small gathering of immediate family members at gravesite. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send a small donation to their favorite charity in his memory.