William LeRoy Penn, Jr.

William LeRoy Penn, Jr. Obituary

William LeRoy Penn, Jr., 81, died November 15, 2023 at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in Ft. Pierce, FL. He was born in Baltimore, MD and relocated to Florida in the 1950s. Common nicknames included “Dollar Bill,” “Wild Bill,” “Captain Bill” and of course as most of us know him, “Bill.” He served in the United States Army before working in many professions such as a union carpenter helping construct the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant, construction of boats, and most notably his life’s work as a commercial fisherman.

He was a proud member of the National Rifle Association and U.S. Concealed Carry Association and strong supporter of our 2^nd amendment.  Bill was known for his straight to the point opinion, hard work ethic and outgoing personality. He enjoyed fishing, working on his boats as well as going out on the river, hunting trips to Georgia, visiting historical sites and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle in his younger years. His loyal canine companions Pinky and Bella were his joy. He also enjoyed playing cribbage, spending time with family and friends and experiencing life’s adventures with his other half Michelle. Bill also had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Survivors include his significant other Michelle Anderson of Ft. Pierce, Florida, sister Penny Ann Strain of Iron Station, North Carolina, brother Stanley Penn of Ft. Pierce, Florida and sister Beverly Helen Woodams of Bainbridge, Georgia; son Keith Daniels and spouse Jan Daniels of Anchorage, Alaska, daughter Alethea Jean Dunajewski and spouse Julius Dunajewski of Branford, Florida, son Shane Penn and spouse Jennifer Penn of Vero Beach, Florida, son Travis Penn and spouse Erica Penn of Port St. Lucie and son Jason Gable of Tallahassee, Florida; grandchildren Cassie Dunajewski, Travis Penn Jr., Madyson Radwan, Emma Caron, Tomi Elaine Penn and Letty Penn; great grandchildren Kelley Dunajewski-Giles and Cataleya Torres.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Tomi Lou Penn, siblings Jennie May Ryder, Kenneth Penn, Gary Penn and parents William and Beverly Penn Sr. Donations may be made in Bill’s honor to the Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation.

Friends and family are invited to join us for Bill’s Celebration of Life and fish fry on Sunday, January 7, 2024 beginning at 12:00 pm held throughout the afternoon at Mr. and Mrs. Taylor’s Village Marina. The marina address is 696 Torpey Road Ft. Pierce, FL 32946. Bill’s wishes were to be cremated and his remains will be spread during “one last fishing trip” with the love of his life Tomi Lou in the spring during a private family ceremony.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor for the use of the marina where Bill housed his boat, lifelong friend, and fellow fisherman Brant McManus for supplying and frying the fish, Aunt Rosie for helping us with additional food and last but not least, Michelle for providing love and care for Bill throughout his remaining time with us.

“Mother, mother ocean, I have heard you call. Wanted to sail upon your waters since I was three feet tall. You’ve seen it all, you’ve seen it all.” -Jimmy Buffet