William K. Whitehead

William Kinsley Whitehead, age 60, a longtime resident of Lake Worth, FL passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, December 9, 2018.  Bill was born on June 26, 1958 in Neubrucke, Germany to Thomas Whitehead IV, a Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army, and Marion L. Whitehead, a registered nurse.  He was the fifth of six children.  Since he was from a military family, he moved often before coming to Florida in August 1966.

Bill grew up on the Space Coast in Satellite Beach, FL and attended Sea Park Elementary and DeLaura Junior High.  He was a proud graduate of the Class of 1976 at Satellite High School.  He attended Brevard Community College from 1976-1978 studying German.  From 1978-1982 he attended Palm Beach Junior College graduating with an Associate in Science degree in dental laboratory technology.  Bill also took courses to be trained as an interpreter for the deaf and hearing impaired at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind and at Florida Atlantic University.

In November 1978 Bill began his 40-year career with The Ambassador Hotel of Palm Beach, FL.  He worked in all phases of guest relations and concierge duties before becoming general manager in May 2010.  Bill had extensive knowledge of all aspects of property management including remodeling/construction, building maintenance, physical plant operations, and restaurant development.  He was a licensed Community Association Manager and a certified food manager.  During his lengthy career at The Ambassador, Bill knew several generations of owners and was highly regarded by them.  He took great pride in insuring that The Ambassador was well managed and welcoming to all.  It was important to him that The Ambassador retained its historic charm.

Bill will be remembered by family and friends for his generosity; his sharp memory, wit and humor; his terrific ability to tell stories; and his knack for making lifelong friends who he treasured.  He maintained close contact with many of his high school classmates through their “Friday Story” and frequent get-togethers.  Bill loved water all his life.  When he was younger, his interests included surfing, springboard diving, scuba diving, and kayaking.  In recent years, he swam at his townhouse pool daily.

Bill is survived by his siblings - Kathleen L. Whitehead of Indian Harbour Beach, FL; John G. Whitehead of Indian Harbour Beach, FL; Virginia L. Campbell (Stephen) of Satellite Beach, FL; Thomas Whitehead V (Teresa) of Asheville, NC; and Robert S. Whitehead (Ramona) of Cary, NC.  Also surviving are his nephews – Jason T. Campbell of Chicago, IL; Christopher S. Campbell of Palm Beach, FL; Brian W. Campbell of West Palm Beach, FL; Taylor M. Whitehead of Asheville, NC; and Troy J. Whitehead of Asheville, NC.  His aunt, Elvira Whitehead Morse, of Amherst, VA also survives him.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, December 22^nd.  A gathering with his family will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Tillman Funeral Home, 2170 South Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415.

During his life Bill was a devoted “Dad” to three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – Tiki, Barkley, and Baxter, and he truly loved the breed.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Cavalier Rescue of Florida (www.cavrescuefl.com)

Life ends, but love lives on.