Obituary: William E. "Bill" Colburn

William E. “Bill” Colburn, age 87 of DeLand, Florida, passed away Sept. 20, 2020, at his home of natural causes with his wife and family by his side.

Originally from Greensboro, Alabama, Bill was born in 1933 and graduated from Greensboro High School, where he played varsity football. From there, he attended Auburn University, graduating with honors and obtaining a degree in Landscape Architecture.

After graduation, Bill entered the U.S. Air Force, where he served honorably as an Air Traffic Controller attaining the rank of first lieutenant. In 1959 Bill moved to Orlando, Florida, where he worked as Greens Superintendent at Bay Hill Country Club, both during construction and the early years of the club.

Following Bay Hill, he started Cypress Creek Nursery providing wholesale plants, trees and landscape design and installation services throughout the southeast. During retirement, Bill spent his time woodworking and working on various philanthropic activities.

Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Lieser; parents, Joe and Hattie Colburn; sisters, Caroline Colburn of Greensboro, Alabama, Margaret Terry of Birmingham, Alabama, and Jo Myrle Kennedy of Selma, Alabama.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jeanne; son David; daughter-in-law, Katia; and grandchildren, Carlos and Isabella.

A memorial service will be announced at a later time. For those who wish to honor Bill’s memory donations may be made to Edgewood Children’s Ranch of Orlando, Florida, or to a charity of one’s choosing.