William Wade Besley

William Wade Besley, age 60, passed away unexpectedly on April 20, 2020 at his residence in St. Augustine. Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Will grew up in Manassas, Virginia and was a graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School. After graduating from high school he worked in construction and studied computer technology before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served his country and was discharged after four years of service. In the early 1990’s he moved to Jekyll Island, Georgia and then to St. Augustine in the late 1990’s. Will was a talented musician, a caring friend, a military man, a loving father, and a dedicated employee. He was a member of several bands through the years, The Seiners, Uncle Meat and the Bumblebees, and Those Guys. He worked at the Tavern for more than 25 years & he did it with his own certain style. He was always a team player but never took shit from anyone, especially from those who stepped out of line, who he would rightly school by way of a "Will Lecture" on the Code of Conduct expected out of everyone who walked through the Red Door during his shift. Anyone who knew Will knew he was fair. One of his famous sayings was, "Fair is Fair" because he believed everyone should play by the same rules. He lived & worked by that motto. Will had a big heart & he would help anyone in any way he could. He was smart, a thinker, & a tinkerer who could fix just about anything. If you were lucky enough, you got to see his tender side, a man with deep emotion who loved his family & friends. If you were luckier still, you got one of Will's hugs, the kind that enveloped you like you were being hugged by a bear. We loved his laugh, it was bold & loud but always genuine. We will all miss him & we ask everyone to raise a shot of Jameson in the air to wish him well on his journey to the other side, because this is not Goodbye, but simply, "Until We Meet Again" But until then, Give 'em hell Will!! He is survived by sons, Dylan Besley of St. Augustine, Joshua Arthur; his father, Oliver “Twist” Besley and wife Margie of Burke, Va.; and brothers, David Besley of St. Augustine and Eddie Pickett. A celebration of Will’s life will take place at a later date. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

William Wade Besley

September 24, 1959 - April 20, 2020