William F. Mottla, Jr

William F Mottla, Jr

June 29, 1953 - April 1, 2025

William Mottla, Jr, age 71, of The Villages, FL and Murphy, NC, passed away after a very short illness at UF Health, Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL with his wife by his side.

Bill was born in Boston, MA to William F and Phyllis W Mottla. He attended Lexington High school and entered the transportation profession immediately following graduation. He progressed from long haul driving to President/Owner of Forward Air, specializing in transportation logistics for high technology companies. Following retirement from transportation, Bill found his true calling as a Groundskeeper for a golf course in Whitinsville, MA. Perhaps this is where he formed an interest in horticulture, specifically bonsai creation, which he enthusiastically pursued in retirement. Bill was active in the Ocala RC Flying Club, flying - and crashing - remote control airplanes. A longtime golfer, Bill mostly enjoyed the 19th hole and the lifetime friendships formed on and off the links. He kept beautifully landscaped homes wherever he and Pam found themselves and was always in search of new projects. Special travel destinations included Boothbay Harbor, ME, North Conway, NH and multiple cruises.

Bill met his life partner, Pamela Penney Mottla on a blind date. They were married in Amherst, NH, on September 28, 1985. Together, they lived for 26 years in E Douglas, MA. He was a great dog dad to Chelsea, Pumpkin and Jazzie, beautiful Golden Retrievers who brought unlimited joy. Bill will be remembered for the many family and friend gatherings he and Pam hosted, which often went unexpectedly into the wee hours with plenty of music, dancing and possibly even spoon playing.

After retirement, Bill and Pam relocated to The Villages, FL to enjoy sunshine, golf and new friends. Missing the NE mountains, the couple built a second home at the foot of the Smoky Mountains in Murphy, NC. There he took up remote control boating, building and sailing his vessels in the lakes surrounding their new home.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and his 3 golden retrievers. He is survived by his wife, Pamela, his sister Lesley Mottla (husband James Gardner) of Rockport, MA, his brother Christopher Mottla (wife Lisa) of Edina, MN, his sisters-in laws Erika Penney of West Roxbury, MA, and Debora LeMay (husband Ronald) of Burrillville, RI, 4 nieces and nephews, 1 great nephew, and many dear friends.

Arrangements for a Celebration of Life are being made by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services in The Villages, FL. Details of the Celebration are underway. Pam would welcome all to come share a toast and remember Bill with joy for having known him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Please visit www.lls.org for information and donation.