William R. Ransom Jr., 91, of Vero Beach, passed away on Feb. 4, 2016, surrounded by his loving wife and family at his home.
He is survived by his loving second wife, Rebecca A. Ransom; adult children from his beloved deceased wife of 54 years, Doris R. Ransom, with sons, Chip, Chris, Scott, and daughter, Page Ransom-Adgani. He was fond of his eight grandchildren: Vanessa, Natalie, Annalisa, Sophia, Bree, Michele, Kavon, and Cameron, and great-grandchildren Owen and Alex. His adult step-children included Kim Heavin, Frank Bartko, and Karen Mattern; and step-grandchildren, Abby, Ben, Stacey, Sam and Joe.
He was predeceased by his wife, Doris Ruth Ransom; sisters Kathryn Cox, Marion Jones, and Drucilla Neal; and step-son Garrett Bartko.
Ransom was born Aug. 19, 1924, in Pontiac, Mich., to his parents Marion Page and William R. Ransom, Sr. He was the youngest of four children and only son.
He resided in Vero Beach as a snowbird for the past 30 years, summering in Lake Vermillion, Minn. He was a graduate of Michigan State University, with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
Ransom served as a proud member of the United States Navy during WWII. He was a retired Vice President of both U.S. Steel and Kimberly Clark Corporations. He was a member of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical & Marine Engineers, International Ship Masters Association, Society of Naval Architects & Marine engineers, Society of American Military, and Engineers and Engineering Society of Detroit, Mich.
He became a general aviation pilot in his retirement, flying locally in Florida between Florida and Minnesota annually.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Dr. Timothy Womack, officiating. A church reception will immediately follow.
Contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Condolences may be given at www.lowtherfuneralhome.com.