Bill Joe Peterson

87, of Largo, passed away February 7, 2017. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on March 25, 1929. He is survived by his sons, David, Steven, Michael (Debbra), and Jeffrey (Missy); his grandchildren, Cody, Jessie & Jake, Kona & Garrett; and his nephews, Don & John Lee Webb. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean Webb Peterson and Reynolds Peterson. Bill attended Iowa Graceland Junior College and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in June 1951. He attended both with full academic and sport scholarship. He married Audrey Mack on June 16, 1951 and went into the Army in September of 1951. He excelled in basketball in both and was offered a contract in professional basketball by the New York Knickerbockers. He qualified for the Olympics in the high jump while in the service. Bill coached and taught after completing his service. He then went into selling of stocks & bonds. He joined Layman Life Insurance Company in Anderson, Indiana as Vice President in 1973. The company sold and he moved to Sarasota, Florida where he continued selling in his company. In 1987, he moved to Clearwater, joining Florida Heath Insurance as Vice President in charge of sales in Florida. He formed his own company, Senior Financial and Health Services in 1995 and semi-retired in 1999 in Clearwater. Bill joined the United Church of Christ in 1987 from congregational membership in Iowa. He serviced on boards in both ways for many years. He did hospital volunteering for many years in Clearwater. He enjoyed bowling, golf, fishing, boating & bridge. He will be remembered by friends in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana & Florida.