Lt. Col. William R. Coutts, Jr. (Retired), age 85 of Bronson, was born July 20, 1926 in Kulpmont, Pennsylvania and entered the gates of heaven on March 6, 2012 to join his loving wife, Lois Marie Coutts. He is survived by his son, William R. Coutts, II, daughters, Deborah Coutts Robins and Donna Marie Coutts, his granddaughter, Jennifer Robins Clifton, grandson-in-law, Donald Ervin Clifton, Jr., and four great-grandchildren, Donald E. Clifton, IV, Mason A. Clifton, Connor S. Clifton and Hailey Paige Clifton of Bronson, Florida, his brother, George O. Coutts, sister, Patricia Gravish and sister-in-law, Catherine Coutts. A loving father, who cherished faith and family above all, he was a distinguished U.S. Army officer who loved and served his country in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He joined the Army in 1942, and retired in 1971 and received numerous commendations including the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 236, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5625, AmVets Post 88, the Masonic Order, The Shriner`s, Knight Templars and the Elks. A celebration of his life will be held at Bronson United Methodist Church in Bronson, Florida on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a gathering of family and friends at his home immediately following the service. Lt. Col. Coutts will be interred at the National Cemetary in Bushnell, Florida at a later date. In lieu of flowers, he would want donations to go to the Fisher House, Gainesville, Florida fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Knauff Funeral Home in Williston, Florida (352)528-3481. |
