William James Day Anthes, 94, of Indialantic, FL died Friday February 12, 2016. William was born in Yonkers, NY on August 19, 1921 to Maude and William Anthes. He was raised in a single parent home during the Great Depression. This instilled in him a strong work ethic, ingenuity and creativity which led him to the University of Florida's School of Architecture. His education was interrupted by Pearl Harbor, an event that motivated his enlistment in the army. William served in WWII as an officer; he was stationed in the Philippines until the war ended. He married and had four children, William "Jay" Anthes, Connie Anthes, Katharine Anthes and Darry Anthes. William founded what is now one of the oldest garage door service businesses in the country, Anthes Door Control, in 1956 in Orange, Connecticut. It is still conducting business today. William "Billy" married Ann in 1970 and became the stepfather of, Mark Lohrs, Jody Lohrs, Julie Lohrs and Chuck Lohrs. Billy and Ann had one child, Leigh Anthes. Combining his, hers and theirs, a total of 7 of the above children lived under one roof! Drawn by the allure of surf, sand and sun, in 1977 William, Ann and two younger children moved to Florida. There, William started W. Anthes Inc. a garage door and operator service company. William's daughter, Leigh Anthes, joined the family business, followed a few years later by her husband. William stayed active in the business in to his late 80s. As a testament to his work ethic, he mowed his own grass until he was 91! William found great inspiration in jazz, art, poetry, world traveling, his family and friends. William is survived by his wife Ann Anthes, of 45 years, seven children, one beloved son in law, Stephen Lenches, twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was predeceased by two of his children, Darry and Connie. His warm, loving, funny spirit will be dearly missed. A calling of family and friends will be held Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the DAVIS SEAWINDS Funeral Home, 560 Montreal Avenue, Melbourne from 2-3pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00pm. At the conclusion of the service military honors will be bestowed in memory of Mr. Anthes who served in World War II. Burial will be private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory would be appreciated to the Disabled Veteran National Foundation, 1020 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 or online at the Disabled Veterans Web site.