William Holcomb
My name is Bill Holcomb. I met Bill Sargent in 2023 when I joined the Boating and Waterways team within the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. Although we lived four hours apart, we met regularly through virtual meetings to discuss the many projects our team was working on. I quickly learned that Bill was incredibly knowledgeable about all things boating and waterways. I don’t believe I ever stumped him, even with questions about issues dating back more than a decade.
While Bill was one of the most efficient people I have ever known, he was also among the quietest and most humble. He rarely spoke unless he had something meaningful to say—but when he did, his words carried weight, and everyone listened.
When Bill was diagnosed with cancer, he took some time away for treatment but soon returned and picked up right where he left off. We all assumed he was doing well because he was the same steady, dependable Bill that we had always known, working hard and helping our team navigate complex challenges. Later, I learned he was battling far more than most of us realized. As the cancer progressed, Bill eventually had to go back on leave to continue his fight.
After receiving the devastating news that the cancer would not go away, Bill retired and devoted his remaining time to being with his wife and best friend, Deanna. With Dee’s permission, I began visiting Bill to make sure he knew his FWC family was still there for him. It was during those visits that I truly came to know and appreciate the man he was.
I learned that Bill began his career in 1986 as a fisheries biologist at the Florida Marine Research Institute, where he served for nearly 20 years before transitioning into a GIS role with the Boating and Waterways team. He contributed to numerous large-scale projects throughout the boating community and accomplished remarkable work behind the scenes—never seeking recognition for any of it.
Just as he was humble in the workplace, he was equally gentle and kind at home. He was well traveled and passionate about the outdoors, especially time spent on the water. He was handy with tools and capable of tackling just about any home project. I also discovered that he had a wonderful sense of humor, subtle and understated, but always appreciated.
I told Bill many times that one of my greatest regrets was not knowing him earlier in life. His fight with cancer, and the grace and positivity with which he faced it, was one of the most inspiring things I have ever witnessed. He never expressed self-pity. Instead, he worried about Dee, knowing his passing was inevitable. He had a strong faith in the Lord and was confident about where he was going.
I will miss Bill greatly and will always cherish the time I was fortunate enough to spend with him.
Until we meet again,
Bill
