Long time residents of Martin County can recall former attorney Bill Oughterson’s weekly column in The Stuart News. And yes, as remembered, he had an opinion! A passionate, dedicated, and mostly loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather breathed his last, “Go Gators!” early Monday morning, September 14, 2015.
Attributing his parents for instilling in him great confidence, if Bill had a good idea, he took it! And what a full life he lived as a result! Born William Alexander Oughterson on November 3, 1926 in Nashville, TN to former Martin County attorney T.T. Oughterson and Sarah Oughterson, Bill always considered himself a native Floridian, having returned back home to Stuart just days old.
A well-known local tennis player, Bill was able to play with celebrities who came to town, including Katharine Hepburn. In 1943, he graduated high school when he was just 16 years old and enrolled in the Citadel before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, rising in rank to lieutenant commander, and remaining in the reserves for more than 20 years. He then enrolled in the University of Florida, where he met his wife, earned a law degree, and lettered in both tennis and track, sealing his fate as an avid Gator! He umpired for tennis for many years, including a few for the U.S. Open.
In June, 1950, he was sworn into the Florida Bar by Judge A.O. Kanner, joining his father’s law firm, where he practiced until 2001. During this time he served as the President of the Martin County Bar Association, and held elected office of County Prosecuting Attorney from 1960-1972. An active member of the Kiwanis Club, which his father helped form, Bill maintained perfect attendance for 63 years!
He also served on the board of many different organizations including Martin County Red Cross, Martin County TB & Health Association, the Chamber of Commerce, Martin Memorial Hospital, First Bank of Indiantown, and First Presbyterian Church of Stuart.
Bill, however, considered his family his number one accomplishment, and was blessed with a long life filled with enthusiasm, love, friends, the GATORS, and all things sports. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Leila S. Oughterson, son William Scott Oughterson (Sharon), daughter Lisa Maurer (Craig), 5 grandchildren, Boone (Alison), Sara (Scott), Destin (Emily), Sam, and Aubrey, 6 great grandchildren, and his sister, Rosalie Oughterson.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Monday October 5, 2015 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Stuart, 1715 NW Pine Lake Dr. Stuart, FL.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations sent to Treasure Coast Hospice or First Presbyterian Church of Stuart.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Martin Funeral Home & Crematory, Stuart.
Online registry may be found at www.martin-funeral.com
Posted in: TC Palm
Posted on: 2015-09-20
Link to original obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tcpalm/obituary.aspx?n=william-a-oughterson&pid=175881089&fhid=10596#sthash.duh9F65d.dpuf