William Calvin Baxter, Jr. lovingly known as Bill and/or Billy, of Minneola, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025, at ORMC in Orlando, Florida.

Bill was born on October 30, 1950, in Springdale, Pennsylvania, and grew up in West Deer, Pennsylvania. After graduating from West Deer High School, he attended the University of Pittsburgh before completing his degree at Carson-Newman University in 1974.

Over the years, Bill led a full and varied career. He worked in golf course maintenance, management, sales, and hospitality—but perhaps his most magical role began after moving with his family to Florida in 2003. There, Bill spent more than 20 years creating memorable experiences as part of the Walt Disney World family, first as a seater and assigner at Cinderella's Royal Table and later as a server at Sanaa, Be Our Guest, and his favorite restaurant, 50's Prime Time Café.

In the later chapter of his life, Bill found his calling working with students—both officially as a Lake County substitute teacher for five years, and unofficially for 14 years as an essential force behind the Lake Minneola High School theatre program led by his daughter, Kaitlin. Affectionately called "Papa B" by generations of theatre students, Bill became a cornerstone of the program. He built nearly 75 sets, taught countless students how to use a drill, ran last-minute errands to make opening nights possible, and wore his own Thespian jacket with pride. His craftsmanship and kindness transformed stages, but more importantly, he shaped lives.

Outside of work, Bill was a man of many passions. In his youth, he loved soccer, football, bowling, and golf. Sports were a family affair—his father played with the Harmarville Hurricanes, Bill later coached his son's soccer team, and he shared his love of bowling with his daughter during her league and tournament days. Golf, however, was the Baxter family's signature sport. Bill enjoyed countless rounds with his father and uncle, and later with his son, Jon, and grandson, Jackson, who now plays on his high school's varsity golf team.

Bill's love of music was another defining part of his life. From Motown to hair metal, funk to Broadway musicals, music filled his home and heart. It was a passion he shared deeply with his wife of 46 years, Debbie. Together, they also built a life surrounded by Collies, founding Chase Collies Kennel and breeding, raising, and showing dogs for many years—not for accolades, but out of pure love for the breed and their dogs.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William C. Baxter; his mother, Thelma Pugh Baxter; and his sister, Joyce Kopicko.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Deborah Kozak Baxter of Minneola, FL; daughter Kaitlin Derbyshire and her husband Sean of Minneola, FL; son Jonathan Baxter and his wife Shelly of Pittsburgh, PA; and his beloved grandson, Jackson Baxter of Pittsburgh, PA.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 21, 2025, 2:30pm at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Leesburg.