William Franklin Burruss Jr., a beloved father, devoted husband, cherished grandfather, and respected member of the Key West community, passed away peacefully at his home in Key West, Florida on March 29, 2025. He was 67 years old.

Born on October 5, 1957, in Newport News, Virginia, William—known affectionately to many as Bill—was a man of deep character, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends. Throughout his life, Bill was a role model to all who knew him.  He grew up in Tarboro, N.C. and later attended Appalachian State University. Years later he moved to Washington D.C. where he not only began his career in the hospitality industry, but he also met the love of his life Carolyn, tying the knot in 1985.

With a career spanning over four decades in the hospitality industry, Bill was a well-accomplished hotel manager and developer whose leadership, professionalism, and warmth left a lasting impression on anyone who spent time working alongside him. His genuine care for people and ability to provide mentorship touched the lives of numerous individuals around the world.

Bill was a true pillar in the Key West community, where he made his final home and built enduring friendships. He and his wife Carolyn came to Key West in 1993 for vacation the first time and fell in love with the island. Shortly after, they decided to slowly build their future dream house on White Street in 1994. After Bill partially retired, they both moved to Key West full time from Annapolis, MD in 2006. This dream house is where he ultimately passed away, per his wishes. Even though he traveled the world many times over, Key West was always his home of choice. Bill always brought people together from various backgrounds around town with his warm spirit, easy laughter, and gift for storytelling, especially with a cocktail in hand on the front porch of his White Street house.

He is preceded in death by his loving mother Betty Ann Hagans, his father William Franklin Burruss Sr., and his beloved daughter Kara Elizabeth (Burruss) Bramhall. Though their loss was a great sorrow in his life, Bill carried their memory with strength and grace. He is survived by his devoted wife Carolyn, his son William James Burruss & daughter-in-law Luisa Maria Burruss, son-in-law Cory Bramhal, sister Julie (Burruss) Alford,  and his treasured grandchildren Ellie Elizabeth Bramhall and William James Burruss Jr., who brought him immeasurable pride and joy. His legacy lives on in them and in all who had the honor of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held at Williams Hall located on 729 Fleming Street in Key West on  May 17th 2025 at 2pm, followed by a celebration of life shortly after at Mangoes bar and restaurant. After the celebration of life, there will be an informal bar crawl to all of Bill's favorite Key West establishments. All who knew Bill or want to pay their respects are welcome and encouraged to attend.

William F. Burruss will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the light he brought into the world.