William O. J. Thumbtzen, III

1/25/1945-12/4/2022

William (Bill) Thumbtzen passed away at his home unexpectedly on December 4, 2022 at the age of 77.

Bill grew up in Jasper, Florida, the eldest of O'Cain J. Thumbtzen and Evelyn Thumbtzen's children. He graduated from Pinellas High School in Clearwater in 1962 and is a 1966 graduate of Hampton University in Hampton, VA.  He earned the President's Commission through advanced Army ROTC as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Intelligence Corps. He completed 2 tours in Viet Nam, was briefly captured by the Viet Cong and thankfully escaped. After some years living in Rhode Island, he returned to his home in Florida and became a Deputy Sheriff for Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

He is survived by his wife Julie Hetzel Thumbtzen. His four children, Tamara V. Thumbtzen of Annapolis, MD. Matthew O. Thumbtzen of Clearwater, FL., Michael E. Thumbtzen, FL and Morgan A. Thumbtzen, Jasper, FL. He also is survived by his two grandchildren Eric W. Johnson of Annapolis, MD and Michaela V. Johnson of Revere, MA. Also surviving is his close friend, one he considered a son of the heart and trustworthy confidante, Tim Stirn (Jodi) who continue to be a source of strength to Julie during this sad time.

Memorial services to honor Willliam on February 24, were held in the chapel of Harry T. Reid Funeral Home in Jasper, FL. with military honors.

Interment followed at Ross-Roux Family Cemetery near his home.