William Royal Givens

William Royal “Hoot” Givens of Jacksonville, Florida went home to be with the Lord on January 19, 2020. He was born in Malden, Massachusetts on July 30, 1935 and was the only child of Royal W. and Elynor J (Collins) of Massachusetts. At a young age William would keep his parents on their toes and had a zest for life, hence the nickname Hoot.

He graduated from Mount St. Joseph’s College, an all-boys College Prep High School in 1954. He received his AA at The East Stroudsburg State Teacher’s College, where he also lettered in wrestling for the Warriors. After receiving his associate’s degree, he joined the Navy in 1957, serving his country for 3 years. In 1969, Hoot started working for an International American construction company named Bechtel in Irian Jaya, Indonesia. He met the love of his life, Tien Daly in 1973 while visiting a co-worker at a local hospital. Tien was volunteering as a candy striper in the Nurse’s Program at the time. Tien and Hoot were later married on February 6, 1974. Once the Irian Jaya project was completed, their next adventure brought them to Saudi Arabia, where Hoot continued working for Bechtel as a project manager overseeing the security on The King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh. The next 8 years was filled with traveling and forming long life friendships while working overseas. After the completion of the airport, Hoot, Tien and their daughter, Elynor, settled in Jacksonville, Florida. Debbie Givens completed his family on August 1, 1988. Over the next 25 years, Hoot continued to work within Jacksonville and Russia, but eventually retiring in 2008.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years Tien (Daly); daughters Elynor (Tom), Michelle (Corey), Mirna, Debbie; grandchildren (Will, Esa, Elaina, Gracie, Michael and Michelle). He is proceeded by death by his parents. An informal memorial will be held by his family and he will be brought home to Massachusetts and laid to rest on the Givens family plot on a later date.

In the words of William “Hoot” Givens- “God Bless and I’ll see you later!”

Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.