William Thomas Kirtley

He was born in Des Moines, Iowa where he lived his youth and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He attended the University of Iowa where he graduated in 1960 from the School of Commerce and the Iowa College of Law. While an undergraduate he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity where he served as vice president and then as president.

He met his wife, Diane on a blind date and they were married while both were in college. They would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary August 23rd.

After graduating, he completed his military duty and they returned to Des Moines. With a partner, he founded a small life insurance business which was acquired by a larger company. His next venture was to open a men's specialty clothing store. When he finally decided to practice law he joined a firm in Des Moines specializing in corporate securities and that became his lifetime career.

The family purchased a vacation condominium on Siesta Key in 1975, he took the Florida Bar, and became a registered lawyer in Florida. After receiving an offer to join a Fort Lauderdale law firm, they moved there in 1979. When a corporate securities lawyer was needed in Sarasota he accepted a partnership with the Kirk Pinkerton firm and relocated here. Eventually, he made a decision to begin practicing on his own.

During his career he achieved several honors. He served as chairman of Ringling College of Art and Design Board of Trustees 1997-2001. Governor Bush appointed him to the five member, Higher Education Facilities Financing Authority in 2007. He the received the 2015 and the 2017 HEFFA Service Award for Superior Leadership to Florida's Colleges.

Remembered for his kindness and steadfast demeanor, he had many friends and was loved as Grandpa and Grampy by his grandchildren, whom he adored.

In his earlier days, he enjoyed playing golf with his favorite foursome in Iowa, tennis, and most of all, boating both on Iowa lakes, and then many years in Florida. In his Sea Ray cruiser, the Legal Ease, he and his wife took many boating trips to the Keys, and weekend cruises with the Field Club fleet. He also enjoyed traveling and they visited many places, from Australia to Alaska.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; son, John Kirtley (Kim) of Tampa; daughters Kyle Davis (Mark) and Kimberly Kirtley, of Sarasota; and six grandchildren, Kirt Davis, Cameron Davis, Kendyl Kirtley, Peyton Kirtley, Blaire Yahraus, and Laine Yahraus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Richardson and Clarence M. Kirtley, and his sister, Martha Wright.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ringling School of Art and Design or the charity of your choice.

Services will be private.