LAKELAND, Fla. - William E. "Punky" Pumphrey Jr., 56, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, surrounded by his family, after battling cancer.
Born Aug. 18, 1956, in Warren, William was known to his family as ''Punky.''
He graduated from Warren Western Reserve High School and played football for Albany State University. He graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor's degree in engineering.
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Pumphrey
Moving to Florida in 1984, he eventually settled in Lakeland and worked for Lifestyle Family Fitness as the special projects manager.
He was a fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and enjoyed football.
He liked to spend his time working out, going to the beach and fishing. He was often spotted at sporting events with his friends or walking the neighborhood with his wife.
He will always be remembered as a devoted father and a man of faith. Bill was a "fantastic" man who had a spirit of love and compassion.
Survivors include his wife, Marcia Pumphrey; daughters, Stephanie Pumphrey, Brooke Pumphrey and Makenzie Brown; son, Matthew (ML) Brown; grandson, Parker Brown; parents, Bill and Jean Pumphrey; brothers, Steve (Mary Beth) Pumphrey and Jeff (Kathy) Pumphrey; sister, Trish (Donnie) Fatobene; grandmother, Almeta Pumphrey; in-laws, Gerald and Jackie Benton; aunt, Pat Pumphrey; uncle, Rob Pumphrey; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and his entire church family.
A service was held on Monday in Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bill Pumphrey Memorial Foundation at Victory Church, 1401 Griffin Road, Lakeland, FL 33810.
(special notice)