William Merle Tingley born April 27, 1942. He was a storyteller. He believed in magic and dragons; in the value of a community and the importance of being a part of it. He believed in the potential of humans and the endless possibilities of technology. He believed in civic duty and volunteering and he took pride in being a part of something greater than himself. Bill attributed many of his character strengths to the years he spent in the Army Reserve while in Philadelphia.

Bill graduated from Temple University with a business degree and a minor in psychology. Although enthralled by the human mind, he instead chose a path in the emerging industry of computers. He went on to become a pioneer in computer technology and software development, creating the first electronic claims processing system.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Bill was quite the fish out of water when he arrived in Pasco County in 1982. Luckily, despite concerns, their computers did not make the cows sterile and through his contributions, time, and effort he became a well-respected and beloved member of the community. He was proud to serve his community. He spent almost 4 decades working to improve his local commonwealth as a member of the Rotary Club and a member of the Pasco County Hospital Board. He had immense gratitude for our veterans and law enforcement and never shied away from an opportunity to show his support. His work will continue to protect their safety and ensure a better quality of life for those who serve.

He was also fascinated with science and space; he devoted 25 years of his life to sharing those passions with others as a board member for the Museum of Science & Industry. His creativity was at the forefront of educational experiences that inspired and influenced an entire generation. Bill loved all animals, fast cars, and Philly cheesesteaks. From snakes to flying squirrels, he was a hero to all animals. Not just for the treats he always carried in his pockets, desk, and car, but for his work as a passionate environmentalist and conservationist. His most notable work was with Wildlife Rescue to help save the Florida panther. His name was synonymous with going fast, and he will be missed for his impact on our local car culture almost as much as he will be for his Philly cheesesteaks.

Anyone who met him would tell you he was just a big kid, a prankster who loved jokes and never ceased to amuse himself. He was a fan of pinball and arcade games, but most of all toys, maybe thats why his dream job would have been to be Santa Claus. Or maybe it was just because he had a big heart and loved to give.

He was full of curiosity, a voracious reader and a lifelong learner. Always a fan of music and the arts: he felt the influence of Elvis, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan and so many more live. His love helped inspire love of music in his grandchildren - which probably even made him the oldest member in attendance at a New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys concert. He believed life should have a soundtrack, and he played his loudly.

He is survived by his best friend and partner in life and business Margie Tingley. While she may not have been as instantly swooned by his lambchop sideburns and 396 Chevelle, he knew on their first date that he had met the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with. A love so strong that on her birthday, December 4th, the day the doctors had no hope of recovery, the day they expected him to pass peacefully with severe brain damage, he woke up to have waffles with her one last time. Despite all odds he came back lucid to remind us all that miracles do happen. They enjoyed his last days together and on December 6, 2020 he left this world peacefully thinking Ronald Reagan was still president. He leaves behind his children Vivian and Tedd Fox, Wayne and Linda Tingley, and Keith and Margaret Tingley. His grandchildren, his greatest joy in this life, Ryann Satz, Lindsay and Alex Taylor and Kyle Tingley, in addition to his five great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a legacy of a generous man, with a big heart who loved to make people smile.

In the next life and beyond, live long and prosper Mr. Bill.