By Mike Simmons
Bill Myers was different. At 63 years old, most men would be relaxing in front of their television and enjoying retirement. But not him. Bill was always learning. After his career in the United States Air Force, he kept on with his photography business…which he was good at. He was known as a tech guy…at 63! He loved to take things apart and see what made them work. He was also an amateur radio enthusiast, belonging to four amateur radio clubs. Besides that, he loved kayaking and scuba…at 63! And reptiles! He actually kept a collection of reptiles at his house.
But what showed through – the reason he earned extra money outside his retirement, was to take his grandchildren to Disney. They loved it, and he loved taking them! No, Bill was not a sit-at-home-and-do-nothing retired guy.
Bill was also an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy. No, he didn’t revel in fighting or kicking doors in. He served papers and handled the calls that needed a grandfather type to calm people down. He was very good at his job. After he retired from the USAF, he joined the Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office and worked there for 25 years. Then he retired. Then he came back.
Bill was often described as an ambassador for the Sheriff’s Office, with a ready ear, a comforting word, and an infectious smile. He spent a lot of time in the traffic unit, becoming one of the department’s traffic experts. He finally called himself retired in 2014. But that didn’t work. A mind and body that always stayed busy like that couldn’t stay still for long. So, in January 2015, he went back to the Sheriff’s office and joined as a reserve officer. He didn’t want to chase bad guys or fight – that was left up to the younger guys…although he would jump in if needed – anytime, anywhere. No, Bill wanted to stay busy. He was happy serving papers, which is what he was doing on September 22, 2015.
Joel Dixon Smith worked at the post office in Shalimar. On September 20, 2015, Smith battered his wife, Carolina, and kept her from calling 911. The next day was a Monday. Carolina went to the courthouse and took out a restraining order against Smith.
Bill contacted Smith’s attorney on Tuesday and asked if Smith could meet him at the attorney’s office in Shalimar. When Smith arrived, Bill, in his usual manner, served the papers. The process included confiscating Smith’s firearms from his car until the case was resolved. Bill led the way toward Smith’s car, but Smith pulled out a handgun and shot Bill in the back – several times, then fled. Bill died at the hospital in nearby Fort Walton Beach.
A standoff at a hotel followed. Smith came out and pointed his gun at the deputies, which was a mistake. He was filled with lead. He died at the same hospital where the hero had been taken.
The funeral took place on September 28, 2015[1]. It was estimated beforehand that well over 1000 would be in attendance. Actually, there were twice that number. Sheriff Larry Ashley spoke about the hero that Bill was and the coward that Smith was. Bill’s body was later cremated, and his ashes scattered. He left behind a wife, three sons, and seven grandchildren.
[1] Pensacola News Journal, https://www.newspapers.com/image/131655256/?terms=%22Deputy%20Myers%22&match=1
Bill was a friend and a great guy. I did a few ride alongs with him and his knowledge and intelligence about his community was amazing. He really loved helping people. He is missed.