WILLIAM (BILL) GARLAND PROFFITT,  68, of St. Petersburg died May 4, 2009 of cancer. Born in Chicago, he came to St. Petersburg in 1968 from Sarasota. Bill grew up in Huntington, WV, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Chemistry and later moved to Florida where he worked for E-Systems/ Raytheon for 35 years. During his employment with E-Systems Bill had a Patent established in his name in 1980 for a manufacturing process he assisted in developing. Over the years Bill held many different job titles, most of which were in Engineering Management. When Bill retired in January 2003 as a Senior Manager he left behind a legacy as a tough but fair Manager, Leader and Mentor. He was an avid boater, loved to travel and enjoyed designing and building boats as well as large scale model boats. His memberships included the University Club and Dragons Club. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy, two sons: Paul and Bill both of St. Petersburg; his brothers: James of Oregon, OH and Page of Indian Harbor Beach; and his two granddaughters: Sarah of St. Augustine, FL and Olivia of St. Petersburg.