William Van Ransom

William Van Ransom “Bill”, 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Monday, July 6th, 2020.

Bill was born on December 10th, 1925 to William Glen and Helen Hough Ransom in Lacey Springs, Alabama. He grew up in Decatur, Alabama and moved to Valparaiso, Florida in the early 1940’s. Bill graduated from Niceville High School and joined the United States Army from August 23rd, 1944 and served our country until June 30th, 1946, during which time he was held in Germany as a Prisoner of War until being liberated on November 21st, 1945. Returning to Florida after serving his country in WWII, Bill enrolled at the University of Florida to fulfill his educational aspirations where he graduated with a pharmacy degree in 1951. Bill met the love of his life, Caroline Pruitt, they were married in Valparaiso, Florida in 1949. Bill and Caroline celebrated 71 beautiful years of marriage and shared a life long journey together building a family. They were the proud owners of Stop-N-Save Drugs in Niceville, where Bill and Caroline provided an invaluable service as well as contributed to the foundation of the Niceville Community. In addition to his dedicated wife, Caroline, Bill is survived by his two sons, William “Bob” Ransom (wife Michelle) and Nathanial Ransom. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Tina Marie Keenum, Kimberly Keenum Hill, Grant Ransom, Nicole Ransom Ward (husband Chris), and David Dukes (wife Angel). He is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Jacob Tanner Hill, Savanna Carol Hill, Will Ward, Emma Ward, Scarlett Dukes, and Samantha Dukes. Bill was predeceased in death by his daughter Glenda Carol Ransom Keenum and husband Talmadge Marion Keenum.

The family adores and appreciates the support, kindness, and generosity of caregivers Vicki Alvares and Crystal Wilson who have been invaluable friends and devoted members of our family. Furthermore, we would like to thank Johney Kelso, Home Instead Senior Care of FWB, Andrea Phillips, Deborah, and Michelle Lee for your hard work and dedication to patient care.

The family will hold a memorial service at McLaughlin/Twin Cities Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 15th at 2pm. Visitation will precede the service at 1pm. William Van Ransom will be laid to rest following the memorial service at Sunset Cemetery in Valparaiso where he will be presented with military honors. Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed or viewed at www.mclaughlintwincities.com.

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