William Levison

October 19th, 2014

Bill was my college professor in 1973, my advisor, my mentor, and my beloved friend ever since. His passing leaves a big hole in my heart. He convinced me to change my major to English, a life-changing decision. When I was a young stay-at-home mom, Bill was my “phone friend” who provided much-needed adult conversation to keep me sane. He knew my four children’s individual likes, and he tailored their gifts accordingly. He even knew the names of all eight of my siblings, and which one was who. When I began my career teaching English, he became a guest speaker in my classes, giving the students a wonderful overview of Greek mythology – without any notes, of course. He taught me the finer points of grammar, such as when to use “as” and when to use “so” for comparisons. He often shared his wisdom, his humor, and his philosophies with me; a brighter person I’ve never known. We considered him family, and I believe the feeling was mutual. If I noted that the world has lost a great man, Bill would call that a cliché, but it would still be true.

~Melanie Lasseter
~Longtime friend, Valdosta, GA

October 15th, 2014

There are so many great memories with him. Our tradition of drinking hot chocolate before your appointments every week were very important to me. Thank you for taking us to Disney for my birthday the past 2 years. You were a very kind and generous man. I have learned a lot from you. The look on your face when I showed you the portrait in got of you was awesome. I am honored to wear it on my arm for the rest of my life. I am honored to have been your friend. We love you Bill.

~Ben Stubbs
~friend, valdosta,GA

October 15th, 2014

Bill has been a part of my life since the very first day of my present career which I have been in for over 10 years. On that day, in August of 2004, I came into Ink Addiction as a brand new tattoo artist. Bill was being tattooed on by Mike Hall and I silently watched. After a couple years, Bill gave me the honor of being his tattoo artist. I saw him every other week and tattooed him for the next 2-3 years. He brought me on grand adventures to Disney World several times and was the most generous man I’ve known. He would always have little treats, toys or flowers in his ever present backpack for all of us…especially the ladies. He was a scholar, a gentleman, an adventurer, and had the rare gift of seeing all the wonder the world still had in store. I love you and miss you, dear friend. May you watch over all of us and remind us to see life as you did. Full of wonder.

~Bob Layne
~friend, Boston, Ma

October 15th, 2014

Dr. Levison, Bill, Disney Bill… my personal favorite nickname for him was Jiminy Cricket. I feel so blessed to have known such a genuine beautiful soul as you Bill. Thank you for being such a large part of my daughter Rio’s life, for always being so thoughtful of her & our family. I will forever cherish my Tinkerbell collection that grew so well thanks to you. Your friendship with Rio & all the things you taught her, shared with her… as a Mom… I just can not thank you enough. You have been a magical gift in the lives of so many. Our city & hearts will never be the same without your daily walks within it. You will be forever loved, missed and always remembered by so many.

~Charlotte Davies-Burnett
~Friend, Valdosta, GA

October 14th, 2014

Bill was one of the most interesting, funny, intelligent people I have ever known. I took several unbelievable trips with him to Disney World. As soon as the sun rose, he’d get up and say “how many ‘things’ are we going to do today?!?” Big grin. We’d spend all day accomplishing our goal of getting all the “things” on our list done. We’d go to awesome restaurants.

One of My fondest memory of Bill was on one of those Disney trips. He decided he wanted to go to the very fancy “Victoria and Albert’s” restaurant in the Grand Floridian hotel, and I was lucky enough to be invited. I wore a new dress, and Bill wore his father’s jacket. We were all fancied up! The meal was spectacular with 12 courses, wine pairings, and our own private butler and maid. However, the best part of the night was after dinner was over. We sat on a sofa in the beautiful soaring atrium of that gorgeous hotel and a band was playing 1920s tunes, and it was like a dream. We just sat there together arm in arm sharing the dream. . . It *was* truly magical.

Then there was the time we picked chimney sweeps out of his fireplace one night for hours, but that’s a whole ‘nother story. . . So many memories.

Bill, if you’re listening somewhere, just know you were one of my all-time favorite people.
With much love,
Kathleen

~Kathleen Morgan
~Friend, student, Desert Hot Springs, california

October 14th, 2014

“Disney Bill” came into my life way before we became the close friends we are. I used to see him everywhere when I was younger. He walked all around town, instead of driving, so I would see him often. Little glimpses of this magical man. My parents used to tell us all about him so he was always this curious character in my mind. I started to tattoo later in life and this is where we bonded. We also both shared a love for Disney. In the past 8 years he has been my mentor and best friend. He has shown me the hilarious side of life, and anchored me to the belief that there is a happily ever after. I will miss the quirks and smiles, our songs, and our doodles, and our jokes. So very lucky to have been apart of his life. He is my soul mate. He was by far the most interesting, intelligent, imaginative, and beautiful soul I have ever known. My family and I will miss him very much. “A man. A plan. A canal. Panama..” spelled backwards is “A man. A plan. A canal. Panama”

~Rio Davies
~friend, Valdosta, GA

October 14th, 2014

I spoke with Dr. Bill for years before getting the opportunity to get to know him and be his friend. As a friend, he taught me new things, made me laugh lots, told me fascinating, and sometimes incredible, stories, and introduced me to books I would never have chosen. He regularly brought me flowers he’d picked and I was blessed to spend many happy hours with him in his last week. My life is much richer having known him. My prayers go to his family and for all who miss him as I do.

~Sarah B Smart
~Friend, Valdosta, GA

October 14th, 2014

Bill taught in our department from 1972 until 1999. Our condolences go out to his friends and family.

Mark Smith
Department of English
Valdosta State University

~Mark Smith
~Colleague, Valdosta, GA

October 14th, 2014

Dr. Bill as we called him, was a regular customer at the Friends of the Library Bookstore in the Valdosta Library. We always enjoyed his company and he would be in the Bookstore several hours, usually on Saturdays. As volunteers we did not always get books to the correct shelving category. Dr. Bill would frequently make some corrections for us. A kind gentle man who loved all things Disney.

~John Swiderski
~Friend, Valdosta, GA

October 13th, 2014

To call Bill one of a kind would be an understatement. He is the most unique person I have ever known. His combination of sincerity, sarcasm, and non-sequitur is legendary. It is this mixture that won people over much to his dismay. You are a great friend. You will be missed more than you can imagine.

~Charles Constantine
~Friend, Washington, DC

October 13th, 2014

Bill was a good friend and former colleague of mine in the English Dept. at Valdosta State for many years. I’ll always remember him for his kindness and generosity.

~David Buehrer
~Friend, colleague, Douglas, GA