William Criss Obituary

William Robert Criss

May 9, 2025

On May 9, 2025, Bill "slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God" and was welcomed with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Born in September 1947 to Robert and Mary Criss, William affectionately known as Bill or BC by those who knew and oved him, lived a life marked by strength, service, and compassion.

Bill was raised with the strength and love of his devoted single mother and his two older sisters, Judy and Sue. His early years were spent in West Virginia, and at age seven, he moved to Florida along with his Aunt Heidi, Uncle Jimmy, and cousin Dick. Bill quickly found joy in the ocean, where he felt most at home on his surfboard, embracing the rhythm and peace of the sea.

While searching for his purpose, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army in the fall of 1968 and sent to Vietnam. Just two weeks after arriving, he was wounded in the line of duty, an injury that resulted in the loss of use of both legs. Despite this life-changing event, Bill never let it define or limit him. Bill hitchhiked across the United States in his wheelchair, eventually finding his way to Colorado, where he met the love of his life, Judy. With Judy came her son, Sean, whom Bill embraced as his own.

With his new family, Bill built a full and meaningful life. He earned a master's degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and dedicated himself to helping others. As a grief counselor at New Hope for Kids, Inc in Sanford, FL, he was instrumental in establishing a support circle for men who had lost their wives-a project close to his heart.

Bill's family continued to grow when Sean married the beautiful Jenn, giving Bill a daughter and, in time, the greatest joy of all: his granddaughter, Ella. Bill would often say there's nothing quite like a granddaughter-and to him, Ella became the light of his life.

Despite physical limitations, Bill never saw his life as anything less than rich and rewarding. He inspired those around him with his warmth, humor, and humility. Whether you were a family member, a friend, a caregiver, or a stranger he met only once, you likely felt his genuine care and unwavering optimism.

Bill's legacy is simple but profound:

"Tell those you love that you love them-every day.

Be thankful and kind to everyone you meet.

Make the most of whatever life hands you-no excuses, no regrets."

His many family members including brothers-in-law Nick, Bill, Johnny and Jeff and long time friends Anita, John, Amy, and Maureen are only a few of the people who shared his life with laughter and love.

The Criss family extends their deepest gratitude to the many wonderful professionals at the VA who cared for Bill over the years. In particular, they want to recognize the incredible doctors, nurses, kitchen staff, office personnel, housekeeping team and home health aides at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. Your compassion and respect for Mr. Criss during his final year will never be forgotten.

William Robert Criss lived with grace, loved deeply, and left the world better than he found it. His presence will be missed, but his spirit lives on in all who had the honor of knowing him.

Interment with military rites will be held on June 24, 2025 at 2:00pm at the VA Mountain Home National Cemetery.