William Gustavus Saalman, Iii

William (Bill) G. Saalman III of Dunnellon passed away on November 15, 2016 at his home in Blue Cove, Dunnellon.

Husband of Virginia Saalman, father of daughters Lora Ofner and Kelly Glassburn, sons Glenn Charles and Scott Barnett, brothers John Saalman, Robert Saalman, son-in-law Patrick Glassburn, sister- in-law Kathy Saalman and the two loves of his life grandsons Tyler(14) and Luke(11) Glassburn.

Bill was born and raised in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother James.

Bill graduated from Syracuse University, getting a Bachelor's in Forestry and then a Masters at Michigan State. He spent 35 years as a U.S. Department of Agriculture employee with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (formerly SCS).

Aside from his family, his greatest love was fishing in the Everglades, eventually starting his own guiding company “Fishing on the Edge.” His second love was gardening, often turning barren ground into an oasis of flowering shrubs, trees, and flowers.

He and his wife Virginia moved to Dunnellon from Naples, Florida three years ago and settled in Blue Cove. Bill found Dunnellon while Virginia was in Maryland attending a family funeral. WhenVirginia returned, she found a note from Bill that said “You take care of the negotiations and I'll take care of the heavy lifting.” From then it was just a matter of selling their home in Naples and finding the right house in Dunnellon.

The family is extremely grateful for the compassionate care his doctors and nurses provided at Shands UF Hospital in Gainesville, Hospice care, and the many good wishes and prayers for Bill. Virginia asks that in lieu of flowers any contributions be made to Hospice or to a favorite charity.

After the celebration the family welcomes friends to the Saalman home in Blue Cove – 11540 Camp Drive, Dunnellon.

He will be greatly missed.