William E. Letson,, MD Sr.

William Letson, MD, age 88, died on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at Tidewell Hospice, following a brief illness. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Etta and George Letson on December 21, 1927, William attended the University of Alabama and earned his medical degree at Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans. He completed his surgical residency at Tulane Medical Center in Louisiana. William moved to Venice, Florida, in 1963 to start his surgical career and be near the water. A Navy veteran who served as flight surgeon in Pensacola, William served two years in the Korean War. He remained active in the Reserves until being honorably discharged at the rank of Commander in 1972. He was one of the first surgeons at Venice Hospital, and he continued to practice surgery in the Venice area until 2010. During his 50 plus years in Venice, he founded and organized the Venice Vikings Pop Warner Football program, providing ongoing support and serving as President for 10 years. In appreciation for his passionate dedication, the team and the community named the arena the Letson Stadium in his honor. Dr. Letson was the high school football team physician for many years, and he initiated the Venice High School annual athlete physical examination program, in which he participated for more than 30 years. William is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, and two sons: Dr. William Letson, Jr. (Lisa) and Dr. Doug Letson (Peggy). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Doug Letson, Jr. (Leslie), Tara (Aubrey), Jessica (Trey), Lyndsy (Bobby), Will, III (Kelsey), and Savanna. He is survived by two great grandchildren: Calvin and Liam, IV. He is survived by Belinda and the Miller family, including Billie (Mona), John (Pat), Trudy, and Sammy (Elizabeth). A funeral service was held on November 12, 2016, at Farley Funeral Home followed by private interment. Any who wish to honor Dr. William Letson may send contributions to the attention of Dr. Doug Letson, AmandaLee Sarcoma Foundation, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, MCC-ADMIN, Tampa, FL 33612.