Obituary
Guest Book
William Valdespino, 85, of Lithia, Florida passed away on September 10, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carole Nichols Valdespino; his daughter Adair Kopperud, her husband Bob and his sons Bobby and Chad; son Bill Valdespino, his wife Kelly and grandchildren Nic, Vada and Stella. Also surviving are nephew Raul Valdespino and his wife Karen and nieces Darla Sizemore and Dori Withee. He was preceded in death by his parents Raul and Mercedes Valdespino, brother Raul Valdespino and sister Maria Valdespino.
Will was born on November 19, 1931 in the same Ybor City home he lived in for over forty years. He graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1950 and spent the next few years working at American Can Company, putting himself through the University of Tampa where he was a member of Rho Nu Delta fraternity. He graduated in 1955 and began his career in education. In 1960 Will took advantage of the National Defense Education Act to receive advanced teacher training. This program took him to Louisiana State University where he met Carole. The two were married in 1961 at First United Methodist Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Will served the School District of Hillsborough County for over forty years as a teacher and guidance counselor at Sulphur Springs Junior High, Van Buren Junior High and Burns Middle School. He was passionate about the sport of baseball and spent over a decade on the fields of South Brandon Little League, Brandon Leaguerettes and Brandon Pony Colt coaching his children who share his love for the sport. Upon retiring, in addition to traveling, Will and Carole attended nearly every Tampa Bay Rays home game since the team's beginning. Together they attended over 1,500 games. Will was a faithful member of New Hope United Methodist Church in Brandon, its Ray Harrison Sunday School class and its Senior Men's Bible Study. He will also be missed by his breakfast group who shared café con leche every Thursday morning in Ybor City.
In addition to great memories perhaps the greatest gift he left for all who knew him is his contagious spirit of unselfishness, humility, loyalty and faithfulness.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 17, at New Hope United Methodist Church, 121 N. Knights Avenue, Brandon Florida. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to the church designated for the United Methodist Committee on Relief to assist families in need because of hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Stowers Funeral Home.
September 16, 2017
Cliff Zinner
Bill - all of the Zinner's feel for you in your loss.
September 16, 2017
Madeleine Davis
Wayne and Madeleine Davis wish to extend our deep sympathy to Carole and all of Will's family. Our kids grew up together, going to school. Will was to me, a most gracious, quiet man. But when he spoke, you listened, and you heard. Our love at this sad time.
September 16, 2017
Madeleine Davis
September 15, 2017
Willy, as we knew him we went to school at Washington Jr. High and Hillsborough High School. We all were raised and played together as youngsters. I can remember Willy was the best marble shooter and had the best collection of funny books and baseball cards. He really loved baseball. Thru out the years I kept up with him thru my brother Manuel. He was also close friends with Willy. He will be missed for he was a fine person. I left Tampa went to collage, service, married and traveled with my job and retired in Georgia. The last time I saw Willy was at my mother's funeral. May God Bless you all during this hard time. Love Prudencio Espinosa (Prudy for short)
September 15, 2017
Darla Valdespino Sizemore
My heartfelt sympathies to Carole, Adair, Bill, and their lovely families! My dear Tio (Uncle in Spanish) was a very loving role model for me! All the positive qualities one strives to be! Besides him being a great husband, father, and uncle; I also admired how he was a caring son. Long after having his own family, he also looked after his widowed mother and checked-in with other close family members. He was very unselfish with his time. He was genuinely honest and was someone you could count on. I was so happy that he was able to travel the world in retirement with his devoted wife! Such beautiful memories you have Carole! Much later in life, it saddened me when he started to suffer with dementia like my father before him. Tio was a caring GIVER and was admired and loved by all during his lifetime. We will miss this special man, but are happy that he is laughing with his heavenly family! God makes us Whole again! Amen! Much Love, Darla
September 15, 2017
Terry McKnight
In 1957, when I started Junior High at Sulphur Springs, I was in Mr. Valdespino's home room and also spent half the day with him in what was called "core". He was a wonderful teacher and a great encouragement to all of his students. I was fortunate enough to go on to college and also do post-graduate work, so I had many "teachers" but he is among the very few that stand out in my memory. I also saw him hit a softball (in the annual 9th grade vs faculty softball game) that hit the roof of a building far beyond right field. I recall being surprised that he batted left handed. He was a fine man.
September 14, 2017
Gwen Stressman
My deepest sympathy to Carole and the family. Bill was a wonderful, caring and loving man. He will be truly missed.
September 14, 2017
Diane and Bob Smeed
We've known Will for 23 years and especially loved him for the help he gave our family when we moved here. He was the counselor at Burns where our son would be and helped us soooo much. Such a warm, compassionate and dedicated man. Soon after we met Carole and Will through the Methodist Church couples bridge marathon and have always enjoyed our times together.
Bob and I send our deepest sympathy to Carole and the extended family, but we know Will is in a better place playing bridge with my mom!
September 13, 2017
Farnk Lombard
A great man who lead by example and his family is follows in his leadership of love of family. Prayers for great memories.
September 13, 2017
Deepest sympathy and prayers for comfort for the family.
Carolyn and Joel Laney
September 13, 2017
Louise Burnett
Will was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. I treasure our Spanish teaching and Guidance and travel memories together.
September 13, 2017
Rena Bilella
My deepest sympathy to Carole, Adair and Bill, I know you will miss him. He is also going to be missed by the whole family, he never missed a family reunion, family was very important to him. Rest In Peace Willie, Love you dearly.
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