William David Lethgo ,COL (RET)
Join us in celebrating William—please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
William David Lethgo, COL (RET), 66, of Apollo Beach, passed away March 12, 2022 surrounded by his loving children. Will was born in Tennessee in 1955. He called many places home during his childhood. He went on to the University of Oklahoma where he earned his Bachelor of the Arts in Public Communications in 1976. In 1978, he began his military career as an enlisted Soldier at Ft. Sill, OK. From there, he departed for Fort Benning, GA to attend the U.S. Army's Officer Candidate School. Upon his graduation on 7 December 1978, he was selected and commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer. He was a graduate of the Army's Command and General Staff College, and held a Master of Public Administration degree from Texas A&M University. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and many others. He earned the Air Assault Badge and the coveted U.S. Army Ranger tab. In 2003, he was selected for and inducted as a member of the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School's Hall of Fame. He proudly served his country for 32 years. Will always said that life was for living, and he lived each day as if it was his last. He loved long road trips and traveling to his favorite places across the U.S. and Europe. Cars and art were his passions. Later in life, Will bravely fought blood cancer and shared his story with all who would listen in hopes of bringing light to the darkness of cancer. Most of all, he loved his three children and they adored him.
Will is preceded in death by his father, Wayne; his mother, Mary Frances; and his brother, Robert.
He is survived by his children, Nathan, Carolyn and Bailey; his niece, Rebecca; granddaughters, Harper and Hayley; and his loyal canine companion Sherman.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 21st at 2pm at Hyde Park Presbyterian Church, 1309 W. Swann Ave, Tampa FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center.
Will will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at www.blountcurrymacdill.com