William A Starks' Obituary
William A. Starks, 83, of Fort Myers, passed away peacefully on February 22nd, 2024.
Bill was born in Buffalo, NY, The son of William and Mildred Starks. Bill was raised in Miami, FL where he graduated high school as a member of a state title winning basketball team. He then attended Miami-Dade Junior College then Nova University in Davie, Fl and graduated with a bachelor’s degree.
Bill had a very successful 27-year career at the City of Miami Police Department, where he rose in rank from Officer to Assistant Chief of Police at retirement. Bill enjoyed several career highlights, including helping the very first K-9 team setup in Fort Myers. Bill also was successful in recruiting his wife, Gloria, to join him at the department for 17 of those years.
Bill enjoyed watching the Miami Dolphins, and while he enjoyed serving extra duty at the Orange Bowl during the Dolphins early years, he equally enjoyed watching them on TV for over 50 years. He also enjoyed watching college football and Monday Night Football. Bill loved to go boating, fishing and canoeing throughout the Everglades, the nearby waters of Biscayne Bay and the peaceful rivers of southwest Florida. He loved to read – he had accumulated so many books that when the family moved in the early 1990’s he donated hundreds of books to the local library. Later in life, he started painting as a hobby and became fairly good in his depictions.
Thank you to the caring, wonderful care provided at Discovery Village at the Forum.
Bill will be missed by his wife of 54 years, Gloria, and his extended family.
Services will be private, and a memorial page is being established for online remembrances. The family asks in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite police charity.
Bill's family has entrusted Fort Myers memorial Gardens with the tender care of his final arrangements.
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