NICEVILLE, FLORIDA - Niceville Realtor William "Bill" Hemby Jr., founding partner and President of Carriage Hills Realty, has died after a five-month battle with lung cancer. He was 74.

Hemby, who led Carriage Hills for 24 years, was highly respected and admired by friends, colleagues and competitors. Under his leadership, Carriage Hills Realty became the real estate sales leader in the Niceville-Bluewater area.

Before helping to found the real estate firm, Hemby served 26 years in the Air Force.

"Bill was great, people admired and loved him," said Jan Huyser, Bill’s partner and broker at Carriage Hills. "Bill was a listener and knew how to work with people."

Huyser said Hemby embraced public service while in the military and the ideal always remained with him.

"It was very important to Bill. He always put people first," said Huyser.

Sandy Miller, who worked 22 years with Hemby at Carriage Hills, said he helped make her a good Realtor.

"Bill was my mentor," Miller said. "He was a great teacher. Whenever you needed him, he was there. He was never too busy for you."

Miller called Hemby’s values and high principles unwavering. She said he never uttered an unkind word about anyone.

"In life and death, Bill inspired me and gave me courage through his courage," Miller said. "He was just kind and good to everyone."

Niceville Realtor and civic leader Christina Ruckel remembers Hemby as a person who put his family and friends above all else.

"He could have given lessons in being a husband, father and friend," said Ruckel. "You will never find a more honest, ethical person."

Hemby died Nov. 14.