William Leonard “Bill” Rountree, 68, formerly of Whaleyville, left us on Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, in Orlando, Fla., from complications of AML (leukemia). Bill was diagnosed in 2013 and had given a brave battle over the past four years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.

Born in Suffolk on Dec. 27, 1948, he was the son of the late Richard Jackson Rountree Sr. and Patricia Faller Rountree. A respected and retired businessman and entrepreneur, he founded a variety of business ventures and held many key positions. In earlier years, he had proudly served in the Virginia Army National Guard.

A serious and passionate golfer, he loved playing at his club and relaxing with friends. He lived each day to the fullest, loved to travel and took many trips around the world. During his brave battle with AML, never complaining, he adopted the theme (and theme song), “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce Allen Rountree.

He leaves to mourn his passing a devoted wife, Deborah Lopez Rountree; his son, Christopher Kendall Rountree and wife, Sara, and their children, Harper and Hunter; and his daughter, Stacy Luree Rountree and her son, William Jackson. Also surviving are three brothers, a sister, and their families, Richard J. Rountree Jr. of Carrollton, Andrew T. Rountree, Timothy E. Rountree and Suzanne Rountree Hodges, all of Midlothian.

The family wishes to acknowledge Thomas L. Blair and his wife, Alice, Bill’s trusted friends and business partners of many years.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at 2 p.m. in the Somerton United Methodist Church Cemetery, 8610 Whaleyville Blvd., Suffolk, where he will be placed to rest next to his father. Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, N.C., is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Somerton U.M.C. Cemetery Fund, in care of Todd Fowler, 8648 Whaleyville Blvd., Suffolk, VA 23438, or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.donate.lls.org, or to the Humane Society of Port Saint Lucie County, www.hsslc.org.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.