Obituary of William-Archie Webster

WILLIAM ARCHIE WEBSTER, 83Regional Sales Manager William Archie Webster died Monday (August 30, 2010) of respiratory failure at Life Care Center of Winter Haven. He was 83. Born on December 22, 1926, in Lumber City, GA, he came to the Winter Haven area 62 years ago after serving in the U.S. Army from 1945-1947 in the 127th. Airborne Engineer Battalion, stationed in Yokohama, Japan. He was a parachutist and welder and received the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. After working as an aircraft mechanic and master welder, he joined the FMC Corporation Citrus Machinery Division, Lakeland, and retired after 42 years of service as a mechanic, service supervisor, and regional sales manager. His work at FMC took him to various places in the world where citrus is grown and processed, such as Japan, Israel, South Africa, and Brazil. Archie, as he was known to everyone, was a skilled hunter, fisherman, and gardener. He had a reputation of being able to build or repair anything, and if a tool didn't exist for a job, he would make the tool and then do the job. He was a devoted friend and neighbor known for his sense of humor, generosity, and love for his Papillon dogs. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eagle Lake, and a friend of the First Baptist Church of Lake Alfred. Mr. Webster was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Wilma Gamel Webster, his sister, Faye Fraker, of Granbury, TX, and his son-in-law, Paul Myers. He is survived by his daughters, Linda Myers and Jan Phillips, (Kendall) Winter Haven; grandchildren, Robin Myers, Pittsburgh, PA, Paul C. (P.J.) Myers, Jr., (Jennifer) Winter Haven, Amy Tucker (Eddie), Macon, GA, and Andy Phillips, Winter Haven; great-grandchildren Jake and Jordan Myers, Winter Haven; sisters, Geny Covert, Granbury, TX, Jean Steadham, Baxley, GA, Mary Miller, Greensboro, GA, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Friday, September 3, from 10:00 to 11:00 at the First Baptist Church of Lake Alfred, prior to services at 11:00, followed by graveside services at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Lake Alfred. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Lake Alfred, the First Baptist Church of Eagle Lake, or the Florida Baptist Children's Homes. Condolences to the family can be sent to: www.oakridgefuneralcare.com. Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Winter Haven, in charge of arrangements.