William R. Kolz Jr.'s Obituary
William R. Kolz Jr., 80, of Mount Dora, more commonly known as Capt. Billy, had spent the majority of his life on the water piloting large private yachts. He was born in Buffalo, New York and starting at the young age of 13, he was put in charge of running a marina. When he was 22 he acquired his first official Captains License. After leaving to fulfill his military duty in the United States Coast Guard, he returned to yachting in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. His attention to detail, spotless upkeep of vessels and well mannered relationships with yacht owners had him in high demand as a Captain. Staying true to his adventurous spirit he obtained his fixed wing Pilots License, a real Estate License and a hot air balloon Pilots License. He took on the name Billy Balloons during his 17 year career as one of the world's top hot air balloonists, even flying his balloon through Niagara Falls. After retiring from his adventurous life, he spent his remaining years on his beautiful 10 acre ranch in Mount Dora, Florida. Billy will always be remembered for his acts of kindness and sense of humor. Capt. Billy was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church of Mount Dora, he is survived by his son; Kyle J. Kolz of Winter Garden and his sister; Sharon Mahony of Buffalo, New York. Rest In Peace Capt. Billy.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 1:00 pm at St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Eustis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital - https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now or to the Cat Protection Society, 2700 Getford, Rd., Eustis, FL 32726 - 352-589-6228.
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