William Francis Flynn

The family of William (“Bill”) Francis Flynn announce his passing into eternal life on March 20, 2024. Bill will be remembered as a man of faith, a loving and devoted husband and father, and the best Pop-pop to his grandchildren. He was a loyal friend and trusted mentor. He was generous with his time and quick to help a person in need. Bill was passionate about his family, his country, and Miami Hurricanes football. In his final days, when words became hard to form, he would bellow the following refrain: “Love you,” “Semper Fi,” and “Go Canes.”

Bill was born in Mount Kisco, New York to William Aloysius Flynn and Iole Carmina. He attended Mount Saint Mary’s College, where he played soccer. Prior to completing his collegiate studies, Bill entered the draft and joined the United States Marine Corps. He served in Kenitra, Morocco, where he met the love of his life, Carol Ann Lasby, who was visiting her brother. Upon meeting Carol, Bill boldly proclaimed he was going to marry her. He did just that. Bill and Carol were married in Grimsby, England in 1967.

After his military service, Bill worked for Xerox Corporation where he won national acclaim as a salesperson and later Branch Manager. While working full time and raising four children with Carol, Bill earned a Master of Business Administration from his beloved University of Miami — a remarkable accomplishment considering he never earned an undergraduate degree. After graduation, Bill joined the largest Dollar Rent-A-Car franchise in the country, ultimately serving as the Senior Vice President.

In 1991, Bill co-founded Wilstemar, Inc. d/b/a Dollar Rent-A-Car, Atlanta with two business colleagues, Stephen Huchet and Marla Curley. Together, they transformed a struggling business into the top ranked franchise in the country by increasing revenues 600%.

Following a successful business career, Bill served as the Executive in Residence and Chairman of the Advisory Board at Clayton State University School of Business. In this capacity, Bill assisted the Dean and faculty in implementing the strategic plan of the school and lectured on varies topics, including Corporate Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Identifying and Resolving Performance Issues, and Implementing Change. Bill’s favorite role, however, was that of mentor to colleagues, students, and young executives. Bill also donated his time to the Georgia 100 Mentor Program, a female executive mentoring program.

Bill served on the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl Section Committee for over 25 years, including as Vice-Chair of the committee. Every fall, Bill would represent the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl at college football games throughout the country, often being interviewed on-air. In 2018, Bill was inducted into the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl Hall of Fame.

Bill also cared deeply for Gold Star families. He served as a longtime member and contributor to a charitable fund that provided scholarships and other financial assistance to families of fallen members of the United States Special Forces. Bill’s civic involvement also included serving as Vice Chairman of the Peachtree City Falcon Field Airport Authority.

Bill was a man of many talents and hobbies. He was a commercial pilot (SEL, MEL, and Instrumental Ratings) with a love of flying. In his younger years, he commuted to work every day in his Piper Cherokee plane. Bill was a skilled craftsman — building his own tables and chairs, and treehouses for his children and grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman, huntsman, and golfer.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Carol; his four children, Annemarie Marr (and her husband Greg), William (“Billy”) Francis Flynn, Jr. (and his wife Victoria), Sean Patrick Flynn (and his wife Shannon), and Christopher Ryan Flynn; his nine grandchildren, Mary Katherine, Kaley, Nicholas, Kevin, Jospeh, William, Hailey, Emerson and Blakely; and his sisters, Maureen Marin and Carolanne Powers. He was preceded in death by his brother Michael Flynn and his granddaughter Kailyn.

A funeral will be held at 10:00 am on April 5, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Florida. Followed by burial at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens, 2323 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon Florida.