William Lindley Markham

Born on February 26th, 1966, in Greenwood, Mississippi, he was the youngest son of Harold and Maple Markham.

Bill lived a full and extraordinary life. After graduating from Greenwood High School in 1984, he went on to serve in both the Mississippi National Guard and the Florida National Guard.

He began his career in the Guard on November 15, 1985, when he enlisted in the Army as a Private First Class (PFC). Bill’s first unit was 2nd Battalion, 114th Field Artillery. He served in various positions and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG). After Desert Shield/Desert Storm, he attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) and earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Mississippi National Guard. In 1997, Bill’s first assignment as an officer was with 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) as the Operations Officer and later as the Service Detachment Commander. This began a love affair with the Airborne community that continued throughout his life. In May 2001, he was selected as the Battalion Support Company Commander for the 3/20th Special Forces Group (Airborne). In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Bill mobilized his unit of 113 warriors in February 2002 to support 2500 Special Operations Soldiers from 9 different countries. One of his greatest accomplishments as a soldier was to bring all 113 warriors back home safely from this deployment. In 2003, Bill was selected as the Contracting Officer for the Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ (-)) in St. Augustine, FL. He was then selected in April 2006 as the Executive Officer of the 927th Combat Support Battalion at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in Starke, FL. In October 2007, Bill was assigned as an Embedded Training Team (ETT) Advisor and mobilized with Light Infantry Battalion ETT, 1st Infantry Division through Fort Riley, Kansas to Afghanistan where he worked with the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police. On February 8th, 2008, he was injured in Ghanzi, Afghanistan from a Suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device when his compound was attacked. Bill eventually was assigned to a Warrior Transition Unit out of Orlando, FL where he received medical care until August 2010. At that time, he was released from active duty and returned to his duties with the Florida National Guard as the Contracting Officer. His last duty assignment was the Defense Movement Coordinator Officer, JFHQ (-) in St. Augustine, FL. Bill retired from the Florida National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel on 28 August 2014. He received many awards during his 28-year career but his most coveted was the Master Parachutist Badge.

In 2015, Bill was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was successfully treated in early 2016. This led to a new mindset of “Get busy living or get busy dying.” And did he live! 2016 was a life changing year for Bill. After traveling to Europe on a trans-Atlantic cruise, he found himself in the Normandy region of France observing the D-Day commemoration events. It was then that he decided he wanted to get back to parachuting as it was his most favorite activity while serving in the Army. Upon his return from Europe, he found Skydive Palatka and went through the Accelerated Freefall Course. While learning and perfecting his craft, he was introduced to the Round Canopy Parachuting Team, a not-for-profit commemorative jump team. After a few short years with the team, he took over as President in 2019. He surrounded himself with an incredible Board of Directors that took this team to a new level. Bill stepped down as President in December 2025. He was extremely proud of all the things that the team accomplished and continued to be a very active member.

The years 1991 and 1994 held a special place in Bill’s heart. His sons Blake and Dakota were born then. He loved being their Dad/Fajah. As the boys became adults, Bill enjoyed tearing up the ski slopes and the water with them when wake boarding and tubing. In November 2025, Bill became a grandfather for the first time to Levi. Being Levi’s PawPaw was his greatest accomplishment.

In 2007, he married the love of his life, Valerie Colangelo. Together, they shared 18.5 years of marriage, building a beautiful life. He was her biggest cheerleader and her best friend.

Beyond his professional life, Bill was known for his belief in Jesus and quietly shared his faith with all he came in contact. Bill never knew a stranger. It didn’t matter if you knew him 1 year or 20 years, he always made you feel as if you were the most important person in his life and was always willing to help out anyone in need. He loved his family and friends fiercely and conversely, they loved him. As Bill would say, “What’s not to love?” We are all better for having known Bill Markham.

He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his devoted wife, Val; his children, Blake and Dakota (Kaylee); his grandson, Levi; his brother Hal (Betty); his sister Missy (Jamie) and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his Mom, Maple, his Dad, Harold, his brother Henry and his sister Deb.

A graveside service will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at 1100 on 21 August 2026 for family and for friends by invitation only. The Round Canopy Parachuting Team will hold a commemorative jump in Bill’s honor at Skydive Palatka on 22 August 2026. A celebration of Bill's life will be held on 23 August at a time and place to be determined. Family and friends are invited to attend and share their favorite memories of him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Round Canopy Parachuting Team at rcptusa.org in his memory.