At Empath Health, we often share the stories of families who have already said goodbye to their loved ones. This story was different. As a World War II veteran receiving hospice care at age 97, Bill King became the first current patient we invited to be featured in our gala video—and to attend the event himself. What began as a simple plan to tell his story turned into something much more profound: a chance for our team to walk alongside Bill and his daughter Anne, witness their bond, and honor a life of service in a deeply personal way.
Meeting Bill: A WWII Veteran in Hospice Care
When we first met Bill and Anne, it was clear they had a special bond—and a story worth telling. Bill was under the care of Empath Suncoast Hospice, and Anne had become his devoted caregiver.
After asking if they'd be up for sharing their story with our team, they arrived at our offices together. Anne insisted on driving to us because she was always looking for a way to get Bill out of the house, like a visit to the VA or a local restaurant that played the music he enjoyed. As she pushed him through the double doors at our offices on Roosevelt Boulevard, he lifted his legs so she could easily get over the threshold. They had this down pat.
We expected to hear war stories. And while Bill did share the basics—he enlisted in the Army as a young man, learned how to drive on base and served in Japan after the bomb was dropped—he didn't see himself as a hero. What stood out most in that first meeting was the pride Anne had in her father's life, his military service, and the legacy he built. She said to us, "He doesn't consider himself a hero because he didn't see combat. But guys like him who stepped up and said yes, that took bravery. They're all heroes."
Anne shared how Bill and her mom had taken their grandchildren on road trips all across the country, a point of pride that highlighted his love of family and America. He was a proud veteran, and he made it a personal mission to welcome home soldiers returning from Honor Flights. For him, it was especially important that Vietnam veterans received the welcome they were often denied.
Bringing His Story to Life
Shortly after that meeting, we visited Bill and Anne at their home to film a video that would be shown at the Suncoast Hospice Foundation gala. Sitting with them in their living room, we looked through old photo albums filled with black and white snapshots of Bill in uniform, stationed in Japan.
During the shoot, we saw how deeply they cared for one another. Bill may not have seen himself as a hero, but his devotion to his country and family was unmistakable. And Anne's devotion to him was just as strong. And during the shoot, Bill's nurse and physical therapist both came by. You could tell they felt honored to work with him and help him have better quality of life. Their compassionate hospice care allowed Bill to remain at home, where he was most comfortable.
A Night to Remember
A couple of months passed; Bill celebrated his 98th birthday, but suffered a fall at home. Fortunately, he recovered in time for him and Anne to be our guests of honor at the annual Suncoast Hospice Foundation gala. It was the first time a current hospice patient had attended our event. Our team saw this as a unique opportunity to honor Bill not just in a video, but in person.
During the cocktail hour, Bill sat in his wheelchair in front of the floor to ceiling window, looking out at the sun setting over Clearwater Beach. He turned to one of our colleagues and said, "I haven't been to the beach since the Nixon administration." When she replied, "Bill! You live 20 minutes away! How have you not been to the beach in so long?" he shrugged and said, "I've been busy! But this sunset is beautiful." Listening in, Anne added, "At your age, it's not the number of sunsets that matter; it's the number of sunrises. Isn't that right, Dad?"
Over dinner, Bill talked about his wife. He told the story of how they met on a blind date, the life they built together, and how much he still missed her. He and Anne visited the photo booth, laughing and posing together. "I feel like a VIP!" he said more than once. And we made sure to keep affirming that he absolutely was a VIP.
Later in the evening, one of our hospice nurses, Paul, a wounded veteran, stood in front of the crowd and honored Bill with a pinning ceremony. The entire room rose to their feet. The standing ovation was loud and long. That moment was made possible because Bill was surrounded by care, and because everyone in the room understood how much his service and his story mattered.
Bill and Anne called it a night around 10:30 PM. Several members of our team gave Bill and Anne hugs, thanking them for attending and for allowing us to tell their story.
A few hours later, we received the call. Bill had passed away early the next morning.
Anne later wrote, "His last hurrah was such a happy night." She shared that this was a beautiful way to end his journey. He felt honored and surrounded by love.
A few of our team attended his memorial service. We watched as Taps was played, and a folded flag was placed into the hands of his great-grandson. It was a powerful reminder that our work is not just about care at the end of life. It is about honoring a life well-lived.
Why We Honor Veterans
At Empath Health, we believe every veteran deserves to be seen, heard, and honored. Hospice for veterans includes more than clinical support. It includes compassion, legacy, and recognition. It means creating space for memories, acknowledging service, and supporting families through every step.
Bill didn't see himself as a hero, but we did.
His story reminds us of why we do what we do. And why we will continue to stand beside veterans and their families, offering Full Life Care that brings peace in life's most sacred moments.