William Walsh Obituary

III William "Bill" Taylor Walsh III

September 18, 1952 - June 16, 2025

William "Bill" Taylor Walsh III passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, after a lengthy battle with health complications. Born on September 18, 1952, in Carthage, Mississippi, Bill was the eldest son of William Taylor Walsh II and Ettie Frances Carter Walsh. He spent his early years on the family farm before the Walsh family moved to Florida, first to Winter Haven in 1956, and later to Fort Myers in 1960, where Bill would spend most of his youth.

Bill attended Orangewood Elementary, Fort Myers Middle School, and graduated from Fort Myers High School in 1970. He briefly attended the University of Florida and later studied horticulture at Santa Fe Community College, pursuing a lifelong passion for Florida's native flora and fauna.

His career in horticulture began as a golf course superintendent at Bay Beach on Fort Myers Beach. In 1978, Bill relocated to Islamorada in the Florida Keys, where he became the golf course superintendent-and eventually the Grounds and Engineering Manager-at the iconic Cheeca Lodge. His dedication to the beauty of the property left a lasting legacy during his 30+ years there.

In Islamorada, Bill embraced the island life wholeheartedly. He met and married Carroll Unsworth, and together they raised two children, William "Taylor" Walsh IV and Kelly Ann Walsh. Bill instilled in them a deep love for the ocean through endless days spent fishing, diving, lobstering, and boating throughout the Keys. Later in life, he became known as "Captain Bill", running fishing charters and eco-tours, sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of the local environment and the colorful history of the Florida Keys.

Bill was a natural storyteller with a booming laugh and an infectious joy for life. He was happiest outdoors-fishing, hunting, or simply enjoying time with his family. His warmth, humor, and adventurous spirit made a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He is survived by his son, William "Taylor" Walsh IV, his daughter-in-law Kirsten Walsh, and grandson William Taylor Walsh V of Islamorada; his daughter Kelly Ann Walsh of Nelson County, Virginia; and his brother Robert "Bob" Samuel Walsh and sister-in-law Lisa Walsh of Fort Myers and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Taylor Walsh II and Ettie Carter Walsh.

A celebration of life will take place at the barn at Bud N' Mary's Marina on July 27th from 5-7 p.m. Food and drinks will be provided.

He was deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure. Raise a glass in his honor, share a story, and keep on fishing.