William Richard Kahler

William Richard Kahler, 67

Billy Kahler passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at his home. He fought a long, hard battle with s kin cancer until the very end, never giving up. Billy was a strong person and a man of principle. He was born January 30, 1956, to the late Richard and Nancy Kahler. He was a lifelong resident. He graduated from Lake Wales High School in 1974 and Florida State University in 1978. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales. Billy retired from UPS and was the former owner and operator of Gary's Boating Center. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved saltwater and freshwater fishing, scuba diving, water skiing, surfing and playing golf. His passion was the water.

Billy is best remembered for his fishing and diving adventures, cooking for others and, of course, his stories.

Growing up on Lake Wailes lake is where his love of fishing and diving began. When he couldn't be found, he was down at the lake with a fishing pole in his hand or diving in the lake looking for fish. Trips to Vero Beach to visit grandparents spurred his love of the ocean and his love for saltwater fishing, surfing and diving. He bought his first scuba tank, when he was 12, from the Sears & Roebuck catalog with his own money. Billy was just fascinated with water, whether he was on it, in it or under it. It was his passion.

His love of cooking and hosting friends came from growing up in the hotel and restaurant business. The family owned and operated the Plantation Inn in Lake Wales, which was seasonal (winter). During the summers they travelled to Waynesville, NC to run The Piedmont Inn. There is where his cooking career began. For years, the same chefs from Lake Wales would go to the The Piedmont Inn to work. One summer there was a completely n e w crew. In the middle of a breakfast service, they all walked out. Billy was in the garden working when his Dad came and asked if he could cook. His reply to him was..."buy me a copy of The Joy Of Cooking". From that day, he was head chef for the next several years. Billy loved entertaining and cooking for his friends and family. He was well known for his seafood soire es, with the seafood being caught by him.

Billy was an incredible human being. Pretty much everyone he met became a friend. He had a generous heart, it didn't matter who you were, if you needed something he was always there to help. He will be missed by many, that is for sure.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Christy Kahler; sister, Patty McKeeman and husband David of Babson Park; brother, Jimmy Kahler and wife, Jan of Lake Wales; tw o nephews, Robby McKeeman and Michael Kahler; and his four-legged furbuddy, Riley.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Babson Park Women's Club on May 20, 2023, 3pm until 7pm. Details will be posted on social media.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Green Horizon Land Trust (Post Office Box 2445, Lake Wales, FL 33859) or the Lake Wales Pram Fleet (Post Office Box 328, lake Wales, Fl 33859)