Dr. William Spain "Bill" Belmont

Dr. William Spain “Bill” Belmont was returned to his eternal home on December 9, 2025. He passed away in Sarasota, Florida, surrounded by the love from his wife, Carmen, and his beloved daughter, Rosie. A Life of Achievement: Born on August 25, 1935, in Macon, Georgia, Bill’s life was defined by a pursuit of excellence. He was a highly decorated Eagle Scout with 94 merit badges, earning the Ranger Award and the God and Country Medal. A standout athlete at Lanier High School, Bill’s talent on the court led him to Mercer University, which he attended on a tennis scholarship, graduating cum laude. Bill continued his education earning his Doctor of Medicine from the Wake Forest University College of Medicine. In 1957, Bill married June Mays of Ft. Pierce, Florida, and they were blessed with two sons, William Spain Jr. in 1960 and Richard Anton in 1965. From 1962–1964, Bill served his country as a Captain and Medical Officer in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base, he expanded his horizons by obtaining his private pilot’s license. In 1967, Bill relocated to Sarasota, joining Dr. Thomas Dickinson in an ophthalmology practice that would grow to include many respected partners. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Bill’s leadership was vital to the local medical community; he served as Chief of Surgery at Sarasota Memorial Hospital (1982–1984) and Chief of Ophthalmology at the Cape Surgery Center. He retired in 2012 after 45 years of dedicated service to his patients. In 1998, Bill married Carmen R. Gillett, and they welcomed their daughter, Rosie, in 2000, (when Bill was 65 years old). A man of vibrant interests, Bill was a lifelong athlete; tennis and snow skiing as well as an avid fisherman, and a lover of boating. In 2012, the family began spending summers in Castine, Maine, where Bill found great joy in his retirement, spending his days playing tennis and golf while enjoying time on and around the water. Bill is survived by his wife, Carmen R. Gillett; his daughter, Evangeline Rose “Rosie” Belmont; and his son, Richard Anton “Rich” Belmont (wife Melissa). He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his nephew, David Northington (wife Stephanie) of Knoxville; his niece, Pamela Taylor of Elijay; his close friend Carlos Eugenio “Kaleno” De Oliveira (wife Lili); his many friends in the “R.O.D.E.O” Club, and the last of his many golden retrievers, Tyra. Unfortunately, his eldest son, William Spain “Will” Belmont, Jr., passed away on December 26, 2025. A celebration of Bill’s extraordinary life will be held at The Field Club of Sarasota on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please hold your partner close, hug a golden, and remember our Bill.

Tributes

Dr. William Spain "Bill" Belmont

August 25, 1935 - December 9, 2025