William "Bill" Franklin Ring

William Franklin Ring (Bill) of Venice, Florida went home to the Lord on March 3, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by family. He was born to Joseph and Pauline Palmer Ring in Bryan, Ohio on October 22, 1931. Both of his parents were deaf. They lost their hearing from early childhood diseases. The family used sign language to communicate with them.

Bill built a life that he was proud of. He is a veteran of the Korean War. Prior to and after leaving the Army, he worked for General Motors. On the GI Bill, he attended Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio and then the Ringling School of Art after moving to Sarasota, FL in 1957.

A gifted commercial artist and graphic designer, he enjoyed a 35-year career in advertising in the Sarasota area in partnerships with top agencies before opening his own, Ring Agency Advertising. In a time before computers, Bill created many memorable logos, and his artistry can still be found on marketing and advertising throughout the region. After retiring from advertising, he worked at Snead Island Boat Works in Palmetto for nearly ten years.

Bill was active in the Bradenton Yacht Club, the Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County, and the Hernando de Soto Historical Society. And, in later years, the First Baptist Church of Venice, along with his wife Jacqueline, who he married and moved to Venice. 

Bill had many interests, including boating, working out at the Venice YMCA, his Vintage 1976 GMC Motor Home and 1955 Ford Thunderbird. He enjoyed going to rallies, trips and meet & greets with both the GMC and Thunderbird Clubs they were involved with.

Bill is predeceased by his second wife, Phyllis Gurbada Ring, the mother of his son, William Franklin Ring II (Audrey); and his brothers, John, Larry and Paul Ring, who all had served in the armed forces; and stepson Jason Flowers.

 He leaves behind his wife of 21 years, Jacqueline Wilkinson Flowers Ring; his son, William Franklin Ring II (Audrey); his step grandson Zachary Flowers along with his mother, Christie Flowers; and his sister-in-law Kathy Ring, wife of deceased brother, Larry.

A service will be held at First Baptist Church in Venice n Friday, March 28, 2025. Visitation will be at 11 am, funeral service at 12 pm and reception at 1 pm. Interment will be private at Sarasota National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to First Baptist Church of Venice or your favorite charity may be made in his memory.

To share a memory of Bill or to send a condolence visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.