William "Billy" VanZant Jr. was born August 10, 1940. This native Floridian grew up in Mt. Dora, Florida where he attended elementary school and graduated from Mt. Dora High. Billy played little league baseball and football for Mt. Dora. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and his many mounted trophies show his skills.

Billy was an Army veteran and served his country for several years. Upon his discharge from the Army, Billy showed his work ethic and mind for business by running a successful Cattle company while also working as a shipping supervisor for Zellwin Farms.

Billy married Gayle Miller in 1966 and his only child, Rhonda, was born in 1968. When Billy lost Gayle in 1982, he took on being a single father, raising a young teenage daughter on his own. Billy was fortunate enough to meet another love of his life in Janice Downing. Janice and Billy dated for years and married in 1993. When Billy married Janice he added his step-children who he lovingly accepted into his newly formed family. Anyone who knew Billy knew that his family was his greatest treasure.

Billy is survived by his wife, Janice, daughter Rhonda VanZant and husband Matt, step daughter Lynn Moore and husband Rick, step son Ken Dawson and wife Barbara. Grandchildren Stephanie Leigh Moore, Katie Arabia and Nick Dawson. Great Grand Child Brandie Haught.

Preceded in death by parents, William and Lola VanZant and sister Hilda, Billy is survived by brother Tommy VanZant and wife Geraldine and sister Jean Conklin.

Billy was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Those who knew him best knew his keen sense of humor, his intelligence, and how he told it like it was. Billy will truly be missed.