William Stafford has retired from his role as the supervisor of the Douglass Gym

William Stafford has retired from his role as the supervisor of the Douglass Gym

After 26 years of dedication to the community and especially to the children of Key West, William Stafford has retired from his role as the supervisor of the Douglass Gym.

During Tuesday’s City Commission meeting, City Manager Jim Scholl and Assistant City Manager Greg Veliz presented Stafford a plaque in honor of his years of service.

“It’s always tough to say goodbye to one of the great ones,” said Scholl, “and William is one of the great ones. He’s done a phenomenal job looking after the youth of this community. We owe him our respect and admiration for all he’s done.”

“William has been a teacher, a mentor, a referee, a parent,” said Veliz, “and every title you can be when it relates to children. His will be huge shoes to fill.”

“It was a joy to have the opportunity to work with the kids in the community and with the families,” said Stafford. “It’s something I’ve loved. It’s in my heart and soul. I was a dream of mine.”

Stafford recalled hearing, when he was a kid, that if you found work you truly love, you don’t ever work a day in your life.

“That’s me,” he said. “I’ve never worked a day in my life.”

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