Obituary of William Zackery Florence, Sr.

William Zackery “Bill” Florence, Sr., 80, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. He was born on October 16, 1941, in Lincoln, Georgia, to the late Mosley and Lura (Palmer) Florence.  

Bill served 30 years at Pioneer Machinery in Lexington as a hydraulic specialist. His love for motorcycles and tinkering on CB radios was truly his passion. His friends knew him by his call name, “Roof Topper.” Bill was an all-American man. Some of his favorite things were the ocean, hot dogs, bologna sandwiches, cold milk, and Diet Pepsi. He was a true tradesman who tried to master every craft he took on.  His favorite thing in the world to say was “I love my Carolyn.” 

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carolyn Anne Florence; daughters Sherie Grant (Russell) of Lexington, and Tonya Marshall (Rusty) of Lexington; a son William Zackery Florence, Jr., of Lexington; grandchildren Jade Mayer (Matt), Zackery Grant (Courtney), Amber Grant, Graylen Grant, Elizabeth Grant, Cooper Grant, Gavin Douglass, Gage Douglass, Austin Douglass, Heather Douglass, William Florence, III, and Gabriel Florence; and great-grandchildren Peyton Grant, Sutton Grant, Bennett Grant, and Isla Grace Mayer.  

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by sisters Vivian Frazier and Frances Turner. 

The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. in the Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David Ford officiating. Interment will follow immediately after at Southland Memorial Gardens in West Columbia.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital here. 

Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.