Bill R. Delph

Bill R. Delph, age 83, passed away Thursday, August 22, 2013 at the Bartow Regional Medical Center of cancer . Born July 31, 1930 in Wallins Creek, KY, He was a graduate of Western Kentucky Unversity. Mr. Delph was a resident of Bartow for the past 61 years, moving from Kentucky. After moving to Bartow in 1952, Mr. Delph was a teacher with the Bartow Public Schools for several years where he was very involved in high school sports, coaching basketball & football. He was the President and Manager of Imperial Lumber Company in Bartow, serving over 32 years with the company. During his tenure, Mr. Delph developed lumber construction in the Middle East through residental & commerical projects. During his leadership, Imperial Lumber expanded to over 300 employees at its peak. Mr. Delph was currently working with the Florida Forestry Service in Lakeland. He was a member and served as Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Bartow. Mr. Delph is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Irene Delph of Bartow, four sons: Rick Delph (JoAnne) of Winter Park, Steve Delph (Connie) of Lakeland, Tim Delph (Patty), Bartow, Rev. David Delph (Rebecca) of Plant City, and one daughter, Lisa Delph of Bartow; sister Juanita Paul (Bill) of Naples, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Family will receive friends Monday August 26, 2013, from 10-11AM at the First Baptist Church of Bartow A memorial service will follow at 11:00am at the church. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, care of the Bartow Relay For Life, (Memo line: Bill Delph Bartow Relay) 1920 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33813 or the Salvation Army . Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com