William O' Connor

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of William “Bill” O’Connor, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Born on September 17, 1949, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Bill passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2024, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 75.

Bill grew up in a military family, moving across the country numerous times by the age of 15. He eventually settled in Tampa, graduating from Chamberlain High School in 1968. After attending the University of South Florida, he began his career in sales, entering the automobile business in 1968, where he found his passion.

In 1982, Bill took a bold step and opened Dodge City in Spartanburg, South Carolina. After a successful decade, he and his wife, Debby, returned to Florida, where he joined B.M. Smith Motors in Plant City. Known for his integrity and dedication, Bill became a respected figure in the community and eventually founded O’Connor Automotive, which he operated with Debby by his side. Together, they also managed Deb’s Crafts business and Weather King Sheds.

Bill’s passions extended far beyond his career. He was a talented woodworker, an avid fisherman, and loved spending time at the beach. A lifelong fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he was a decades-long season ticket holder with the North Endzone Crewe, beginning as an inaugural Raymond James Stadium ticket holder. Bill was also deeply committed to his community, holding leadership roles in the Lions Club, Optimist Club, and a local pregnancy care center. Additionally, he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Clement Catholic Church. His dedication to civic involvement touched many lives, and his legacy of honesty, hard work, and community service will be remembered by all who knew him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Roderick John O’Connor Jr. and Betty Hagen O’Connor, and by his brother-in-law, Ray Ross. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Debby O’Connor; his children, Michael O’Connor (married to Michelle), Rod O’Connor (married to Jessica), and Trish Yancey (married to Kris); his grandchildren, Caitlin O’Connor, Olivia O’Connor, and Cullen O’Connor; his siblings, Rod (married to Chris), Colleen (married to Richard Scharber), Mike (married to Debbie), Beth Ross, Bob, and Pete (married to Carrie); and his sister-in-law, Cindy Holley.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Clement’s Catholic Church, 1104 N Alexander St, Plant City, FL 33563, on Wednesday, November 6, at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support Parkinson’s research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org) or to Southeastern Guide Dogs (dogsinc.org).