William Paul Avard, Age-86 of Arcadia, Florida passed away on November 10th ^, 2021 at Fawcett Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Paul was born on November 5th, 1935 in Wauchula, FL, and graduated from Hardee County High School in 1953. He has been a resident of Arcadia for the last 50 years. Paul served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, served as a correctional officer with the state of Florida for 20 years, and as a DeSoto County Public School Substitute Teacher for 15 years before retiring. Paul was a veteran and man of honor who served his country well. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Arcadia, the VFW, and the DAV. He was a supporter of the U.S.S. Kidd Destroyer and a member of the Florida Peace Officer Association. Paul loved to fish with family members and friends he also enjoyed good food and fellowship with loved ones. He will be remembered as a loving husband, dad, granddad, and great-granddad who was also there for his family no matter what.

He is survived by his wife Sharon, five children; Linda Carol (Jim) Breden of Rolla, MO; Mark (Char) Avard of North Port, FL; Regina (David) Hackney of Arcadia, FL; Eric (Shawn) Avard of Chambersburg, PA and Adam (Wendy) Avard of St. Petersburg, FL. He is survived by 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by a son, Robert Duane Avard, his parents, Elwyn and Gyula Avard, four siblings; Duane and Jerry Avard, Alice Grimes, and Addie Kimbril.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 13th 2021 from 10-11am at Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home 50 North Hillsborough Avenue Arcadia, FL where funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. interment with military honors to follow at Joshua Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com