William E. Roe

October 7, 1937 – November 29, 2025

William "Bill" E. Roe, 88, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Born on October 7, 1937, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Bill grew up with strong Midwestern roots and a lifelong love of community and leadership. He graduated from Walnut Hills High School and went on to attend the University of Cincinnati, where he proudly served as captain of the UC Bearcats swim team and was a member of the SAE Fraternity. He later served his country in the Air Force Reserves.

Bill began his early career in Columbus, Ohio, as a manufacturers' representative in the restaurant equipment industry. In 1980, he and his family moved to New Smyrna Beach, the community he would grow to love deeply. In 1986, he founded Ocean Properties & Management, Inc., which has since become a cornerstone of the local real estate and vacation rental community. Bill was a respected real estate broker, developer, and a trusted leader whose vision helped shape the New Smyrna Beach area for nearly four decades.

Bill was also known for his lifelong dedication to giving back. He believed strongly in supporting the community that had welcomed his family, and he quietly but consistently invested his time, resources, and heart into local organizations, youth programs, and causes that strengthened New Smyrna Beach. His generosity, integrity, and hands-on commitment to helping others created a legacy that will continue to positively impact the community for years to come.

Bill held a deep love for America and an unwavering respect for the American flag. A proud patriot, he made sure a large flag flew high in front of the Ocean Properties office, an enduring symbol of his gratitude for the freedoms he cherished. Over the years, he donated American flags to many people and businesses around town, sharing his pride and ensuring that Old Glory waved widely throughout the community he loved.

Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathleen "Toni" Roe; daughter Jodi Roe DeSoto and son-in-law Kelley N. DeSoto; daughter Margaret "Margy" E. Roe; and his beloved grandchildren Garrett, Kendall, Will, and Weston DeSoto, and Emma and Eli Roe Perez. He will be remembered for his warmth, humor, leadership, patriotism, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Southeast Volusia YMCA (klyle@vfymca), an organization close to Bill's heart and long supported by the Roe family or CUDAS UnHooked, which is an organization that support homeless and at risk NSB students who are dedicated to becoming educated, independent, contributing members of society, donations to PO Box 394, NSB FL 32170