William Isaac "Bill" Osteen

OZARK…William Isaac “Bill” Osteen, 93, passed away peacefully at home on July 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a short illness.

Graveside services, with military honors, will be held at Largo Cemetery, Largo, Florida. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. Monday, July 7, 2025, at the funeral home in Ozark.

Born on November 13, 1931, in Williston, Florida, to William and Mattie Osteen, Bill moved with his family to Largo, Florida, in 1940. He was a graduate of Largo High School in 1950. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. After his military service, he began a long and successful career as an electrician.

On March 12, 1955, Bill married Faye Gillaspie in Largo, Florida. Together, they built a beautiful life and celebrated 70 years of marriage. Bill was a caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

In 1965, he founded Osteen Electric Inc., which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1985. During this time, he also served as President of the Kiwanis Club from 1981 to 1982, reflecting his commitment to community service and leadership.

In 1974, he purchased property in Ozark, Alabama, where he began a small cattle farm as a hobby. After retiring, he and Faye moved to Ozark in 1986, where he continued to share his skills and generosity by helping build eight homes for family members in Alabama and Florida. A man of many talents and interests, Bill was an avid golfer who played well into his 80s, forming lasting friendships on the course. At the age of 85, he proudly achieved a hole-in-one—one of his most cherished golfing memories.

Bill also had a passion for woodworking, spending countless hours in his barn crafting beautiful pieces of furniture for loved ones. His legacy lives not only in the structures he built and the furniture he made, but in the lives, he touched with his kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to his family.

He is survived by his wife, Faye Osteen; his children: Lynn Trowbridge (Steve) of Ozark, AL, Gail McKenzie (Roy) of Palmetto, FL, and Clint Osteen (Wendy) of Hartselle, AL; six grandchildren: Britni Matyasi (Frank), Kelli Whitfield (Matt), Sara Trowbridge, Stephanie Johnson (Thomas), Isaac Osteen, and Jake Osteen; and eight great-grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mattie Osteen; his brothers, Pete and DeWitt Osteen; sister, Eutha Scott and eight half-siblings.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to caregiver Linda Knotts as well as Ashlee Sims, nurse from Community Hospice in Ozark, for their compassionate care and support for the family during this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center, 368 James Street, Ozark, Alabama 36360, or a charity of your choice.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy of service, craftsmanship, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.