William "Bill" Sanford
Gullett


December 12, 1960 - October 4, 2019

William Sanford Gullett, Jr., 58, passed away Friday, October 4, 2019, at home after a brief illness. A native of Florence, Bill graduated from Bradshaw High School in 1979. Bill attended the University of Alabama and received a BA in History in 1983. Bill was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity and served as National Vice President of the University of Alabama Alumni Association.

Bill worked for J. Smith Lanier & Company, formally Rogers, Parker & Associates, Inc. Bill enjoyed playing golf, reading history, and watching Alabama football. Bill was a dedicated member of the Emmaus community, including the First Light Emmaus Reunion Group. Bill was a Kairos Prison Ministry volunteer and active member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Florence. Bill was an active member of numerous civic organizations. Bill was a founding member of the Florence Education Foundation, serving as president for several terms. Following in his father’s footsteps, Bill ran and was elected twice to The Florence City School Board of Education. Bill represented District 4 for seven years with energy, keen interest and dedication. Bill was a constant and ever-present supporter of the Florence City Schools and athletics.

Bill was an active member of the congregations of First United Methodist Church of Florence and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Florian. Bill found much comfort and reassurance in the following bible verse from Philippians 4:4-7.

Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, Rejoice. Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Sanford Gullett, Sr. and infant sister, Virginia Ruth Gullett.

Bill is survived by his wife, Karen Thompson Gullett, son, William Sanford Gullett, III, daughter, Sarah Katherine Gullett; mother, Judith Patterson Gullett; brother, Robert Guy Gullett (Kimberly); sister, Ann Gullett Storie (Ken) and their children, Bryce, Michael, and Catherine of Springville, Alabama.

Serving as pallbearers will be John Gregory Canfield, Robert Lynn Cox, Michael Lee Elliott, John Donald Freeman, Craig Taylor Hill, Marion Bennett Perritt, Shaler Sinclair Roberts, III, Matt Paul Scalici and Daniel C. Vines.

Honorary pallbearers will include Paul George Thompson, John Greene Williams, III, First Light Emmaus Reunion Group, Brothers of Delta Chi (University of Alabama), The Lunch Group,The Golf Group(s) and Team Gullett

The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Johnson, the staff of Clearview Cancer Institute, Encompass Home Health, and Hospice of North Alabama for their personal care, dedication, and compassion for Bill during his journey. A special thank you to all who provided meals and support to Bill.

Visitation will be Tuesday October 8, 2019, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Florence, Alabama with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 6:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday October 9, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Saint Florian, Alabama with burial to follow at St Michael’s Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Florence Education Foundation, P.O. Box 1225, Florence, Alabama 35631; Florence First United Methodist Church, Florence, Alabama; St Michael’s Catholic Church, Saint Florian, Alabama.



Visitation

October 8, 2019
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Florence First United Methodist Church

Visitation

First United Methodist Church, Florence, AL

October 8, 2019 4:00 pm

Get Directions

Celebration of Life

October 8, 2019
6:00 pm

Florence First United Methodist Church

Celebration of Life

First United Methodist Church, Florence, AL

October 8, 2019 6:00 pm

Get Directions

Mass of Christian Burial

October 9, 2019
10:00 am

Burial to follow at St. Michael's Cemetery

Mass of Christian Burial

St Michael Catholic Church, County Road 30, Florence, AL, USA

October 9, 2019 10:00 am

Get Directions

8 Comments on “William "Bill" Sanford Gullett”

  1. Bill always had a smile for everyone. He never judged anyone and was always welcoming to everyone he met. He will be missed. Our prayers go out to Karen, the kids, and the rest of his family.

  2. Bill shared his time and talents to establish opportunities for Shoals citizens of all ages. In sharing Philippians 4:4-7, Bill ministered to the hearts of those who knew him as he Championed Team Gullett! Peace be with you all this week.

  3. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill after Rogers, Parker & Associates became a part of our J. Smith Lanier & Co. organization. The first time we met I could tell immediately he was a kind hearted and sincere individual. I had the privilege of working with him on a few accounts and always felt that everyone he introduced me to was his close personal friend but I believe that anyone he knew became his friend. I appreciated that he always had their best interest at heart not only as a person but as a professional. I had the utmost respect for him and will truly miss his presence. I pray for peace and comfort for his family and friends.

  4. To Karen and family: On behalf of Mother and myself, we wish to extend our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Mother thought so much of Bill and truly enjoyed working with him during her time at Rogers, Parker and Associates. He was always so kind and went out of his way to be helpful and supportive. He leaves a huge legacy for his support of the community and his commitment to it. Bill was truly one of the good guys and he will be sorely missed.

  5. To Karen and Family: Please accept our condolences and deepest sympathies. Bill was full of love and kindness. He was devoted to his family, a mentor to the community, and a fair and honest businessman. He would always leave you feeling happier than before you saw him, and he set an example for all of us to follow. Everyone at the Shoals Community Clinic offer you our prayers, and I offer you and the kids my love.

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