Bill and Judy Townsend

Bill and Judy Townsend were married for over 51 years. While raising two children they dedicated their lives to serving others. Each passing within a week of the other, their lives were intertwined from the day they met. Together they were unstoppable making a huge impact in the community.

Bill served his country with valor during Vietnam as an infantry staff sergeant in the 25th Division. He was devoted to his family and his community. He upheld a strong family tradition of honor, legal skill, and commitment to the legal profession by winning landmark land use and civil rights cases as a private attorney. He and his family often championed causes for vulnerable people when no one else would, often at great personal and social expense. In a brief time as one of Florida’s top environmental officials under Gov. Bob Graham, Bill was named the first ever honorary citizen of Orange County for his work on behalf of clean water; he inspired others as a mentor to many young lawyers in Putnam County who went on to great success.