In loving memory of
George William “Bill” Way Jr.

• January 08, 1938
• -
• December 14, 2020

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George William “Bill” Way, Jr., passed away at his home in Fort Myers, Florida, on December 14, 2020, at the age of 82. Above all else, Bill treasured his beloved wife of 54 years, Claudette, and time with his family. He was a father of seven, a grandfather of 12, and great-grandfather of five.

Growing up in Excelsior, Minnesota, Bill worked every summer at his cousins’ “Leach’s Resort” on Lake Minnewashta. He graduated from Minnetonka High School (`56), received his BA in Economics and Mathematics from Hamline University (`60), St. Paul, MN, and MA in Economics from University of Minnesota (`63), Twin Cities. He served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve from 1961-1966. Working in the computer industry, from sales to management to business owner, his career led him and his family to reside in a multitude of states and travel to many countries overseas.

Throughout the years, Bill was an active member of the United Methodist Church. Some of Bill’s favorite pastimes included trips to the beach with family (sandcastle builder extraordinaire), swimming, gardening, walking his dog Bentley, euchre, puzzles, and being a good friend and neighbor. He made sure Claudette was never without fresh flowers and danced with her whenever he could. Celebrating Christmas, complete with carols, was always one of his most cherished times.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, George W. Way, Sr.; his mother, Veva (Leach); and his sisters, June Searles and Gladys Zakariasen, all of Excelsior, MN. He is survived by his wife, Claudette (Roy); his three sons, James Daly of Chicago, IL; Matthew Way of Glen Burnie, MD; Padraic (Jane) Way of Fort Myers; his four daughters, Katherine (Aharon) Boghosian of Hanover, NH; Jennifer (Mark) Wiley of Baltimore, OH; Colleen Way of Dublin, OH; Antoinette (Michael) Mussay of Grayslake, IL; Donna Daly of Chicago; 12 grandchildren, Monique, Jonathan, Michael, Adam, Rachel, Veronica, Cameron, Madeline, Nolan, Shane, Anthony, and Lindsay; and five great-grandchildren.

Kind to all, Bill will be greatly missed and always loved.

He will be laid to rest in Sarasota National Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice in honor of George W. Way, Jr.