William Michael Livings, 57, of Vero Beach, passed away on April 23, 2016.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Cindy Livings; his three children Michael Livings (Rachael), Lindsay Livings, Laurie Livings (Sean Duggan); his sister Libby Livings-Eassa (Joe); brother Matt (Carolyn); mother Rosemarie; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his father Coach Billy Livings.
Livings was born Aug. 14, 1958 in Lexington, Kent., the second child to Billy and Rosemarie Livings.
He grew up in Montgomery, Ala., where he made many life-long friends and excelled at every sport he played. Livings spent three record-setting years playing football for the Volunteers of Jefferson Davis High School, where he was coached by his father Billy. As a senior, he met his high school sweetheart (and future wife) Cindy Clayton and was offered a football scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi.
In 1981, Livings was a starting wide receiver on the USM’s most successful team. He and Cindy were engaged during the spring of that year, and were married on Dec. 30, 1981 in Montgomery. Shortly afterward, the couple returned to Hattiesburg while Livings worked as a Graduate Assistant for the USM Golden Eagles and received his Master’s degree in accounting.
In 1983, he and Cindy followed his parents to Vero Beach where he eventually joined his father in coaching the legendary Fighting Indians of Vero Beach High School as the team’s Offensive Coordinator. Over the next five years, his family grew by three beloved children: Michael, Lindsay and Laurie. He and his family cherished their small town life, rooted in family, football, and faith.
While employed by the school district of Indian River County, Livings was a classroom teacher and coach for boys tennis and football. After leaving coaching, he worked as a middle school administrator, adored by students, parents and teachers alike.
In 2007, at the age of 49, Livings’ exceptional health began to decline. After receiving a kidney from niece Mary Katherine, he was diagnosed with Erdheim Chester Disease, an incredibly rare illness with no known cure. He courageously fought ECD for nine years before succumbing to the disease on April 23, 2016.
In lieu of flowers, the Livings’ family requests that gifts be made to the ECD Global Alliance. Online payments can be made via https://www.razoo.com/us/story/In-Loving-Memory-Of-Mike-Livings. Checks can be made out the ECD Global Alliance and mailed to P.O. Box 775, DeRidder, LA 70634. Please write “In memory of Mike Livings” on the check. An online guestbook is available at www.lowtherfuneralhome.com.
