Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Bill graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S.B.A. Degree with a major in Economics.

Upon graduation, Bill spent two years in the U.S. Army at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, attaining the rank of Captain during his tour of duty.

Following his military service, Bill attended the Florida State University, College of Law and graduated with honors in 1970.

From January 1971 until January 2000, Bill practiced law with the law firm of Akerman Senterfitt in Orlando, Florida, and was Chairman of the firm from 1988 to 1996.  His primary area of practice was Commercial Real Estate Development and Corporate Law.

Bill served as a Trustee of the University of Central Florida Foundation from 1991 through 2000, and was Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1998 to 2000.  Other civic activities included the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Council of Mid-Florida, the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Central Florida and the United Way of Central Florida.

Following his retirement from Akerman Senterfitt, Bill and his wife Marnie moved to Brevard, North Carolina. He and Marnie became members of the Brevard College Board of Visitors and were the initial Co-Chairs of the Friends of Fine Arts at Brevard College.

Bill became a licensed Realtor in 2002.