William Pitts Gellerstedt (Bill), age 52, passed away on Thursday, July 19th, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by family. He was born on August 16th, 1965 in Atlanta, Georgia. Bill was a successful software executive, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Development at FIS. He worked in the field of information technology and software development for 27 years. Bill was a graduate of the University of Central Florida.
Bill loved his family more than anything. He was an amazing husband, an incredible father, an awesome Pop-Pop, and a beloved friend.
Bill loved Jesus. That is the understatement of the century. He had an incredible gift and passion for talking with others about his faith in Jesus. He was a long-term member of Chets Creek Church where he served in many capacities over the years. For many years, he served as a small group leader to both adults and students. He led numerous mission teams around the world to share the love of Jesus. While the church was meeting in a school, Bill would show up early to help set up chairs and equipment. He loved serving with students and kids at camps, vacation bible school, and other events. There is not room here to write all that Bill has done for the church. One of Bill’s favorite hobbies was a website that he created called doyoureallybelieve.com, on which he would write devotionals and share content to help encourage others in their faith journeys. Bill loved using his gifts to glorify God.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Toni, of 33 years and three children, Jessica (Steve) Holmes, Katie (Andrew) McCallum, and Joshua. Along with his two grandchildren, Luke and Emma. Bill is also survived by three siblings, Ruth, Ann (John) Erickson, and Bobby (Gloria), and numerous other beloved friends and family members. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Bob Gellerstedt.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Chets Creek Church on Hodges Blvd. The family will receive visitors prior to the service at 10:30 a.m. and will have a short graveside committal at 3:00 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery on San Jose Blvd.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Chets Creek Church Missions Offering in Bill’s honor by visiting chetscreek.com/bill, giving others around the world the opportunity to hear about the hope Bill found in Jesus.
