William Paul Christian, 68, born in Syracuse, New York in 1946, died Oct. 28, 2014.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara J. Christian; children, Casey W. Christian (Tonya), Ryan P. Christian (Donna), Jamie E. Gevedon and Maxwell J. Christian; grandchildren, Courtney, Bryar, Jacob, Trey and Sam; and brother, Steven Christian (Valerie), of Syracuse.
He enlisted in the Army in 1965 and served in various assignments. Following his discharge, he attended the University of Southern Colorado, graduating in 1974. He received his master’s degree in Middle Eastern area studies at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. As a foreign affairs officer to the Middle East, he was stationed with the United States Central Command. He served in both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During his service he was awarded many medals, but most notably the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in a designated combat theater and the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding achievement and valor to the United States. He was nominated for Florida citizen of the year in 1990. After his 1991 military retirement, he taught at Turkey Creek Middle School for 12 years. He also coached girls softball for Pinecrest Little League.
A celebration of life was held Friday, Oct. 31, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will follow at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, www.cancer.org. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.