William Harry Liggett
William Harry Liggett, 58 of Saint James City, Florida, was taken too early from us after a sudden cardiac arrest on February 15, 2017. He was born March 2nd, 1958, in Burlington, Iowa, where he graduated from Burlington High School. A standout athlete in many sports, he helped lead the BHS football team through its last undefeated season in 1975-76. He was offered a football scholarship at Central College in Iowa.
He chose to enter U.S. Army basic training in 1997. He then volunteered for the 1st Ranger Battalion and rapidly achieved the coveted goal of Army Ranger Special Forces after excelling at the Basic Airborne School. He went on to achieve Jumpmaster status and Freefall Parachute Expert. After an honorable discharge in 1981, he pursued his other love- the sea.
He lived most of his life on the seas in Alaska, starting as a food processor and rapidly working his way to captain. In 2007, he moved to Florida, but continued to work as first mate/captain on tug boats for Moran Shipping. He safely piloted large cargos wherever they sent him, including through the Panama Canal, Hudson River and Puerto Rico. His favorite job was Mobile, Alabama to Puerto Rico, as he could fish when not working.
He is survived by his partner and best friend Betty Schnicker of Mediapolis, Iowa; sister Melinda Dodds; sister-in-law Sharon Liggett of North Kansas City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Lorraine Liggett and brother Jerry Liggett. He should be remembered by all as a faithful, loyal man, who was as generous as he was demanding in himself and those around him. He was the best partner, friend, fisherman, Captain, Ranger, duck hunter, athlete and Morel mushroom hunter that many of us have ever known.
His ashes were scattered near Chino Island, Florida on February 24, 2017 and also will be scattered in Burlington, Iowa on June 10, 2017. Please contact Betty Schnicker for details (239-443-7394).