William Alfred Funchess Jr.

William Alfred “Al” Funchess, Jr., 69, passed away on November 21, 2015, surrounded by his family, after a three year battle with cancer. He was born on October 30, 1946 in Columbia, South Carolina to William Alfred Funchess, Sr. and Vera Irick Funchess both of Orangeburg County, South Carolina.

Al graduated from Dreher High School, Columbia, South Carolina, in 1964 and later attended Midland Technical Institute in Columbia where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation he was employed by the South Carolina Highway Department in the bridge construction inspection department.

Al, Miriam and the children moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1975. Al was employed by the Charles F. Smith Construction Company of Kenneth Square, Pennsylvania. In 1992 Al went to work for Petticoat Contracting where he remained as president of the corporation until his death.

Al was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church for 40 years and was a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus.

Throughout his lifetime he enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, gardening and traveling and was an avid custom made knife collector.

Al is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Emily Anne (Emmie) Funchess.

Al is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Miriam Kahaly Funchess and son William Alfred Funchess, III. He is also survived by his brother Mac Funchess (Linda), Folsom, Louisiana; nephews: Chase Funchess, Anthony Kahaly, Danny Kahaly, Eli Kahaly; nieces: Celeste and Nicole Funchess, Rosalie Kahaly; and two aunts: Doris Irick and The family will receive friends from 6 - 8pm on Friday, November 27 at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N., Jacksonville, FL 32225. Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 am on Saturday, November 28 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11665 Fort Caroline Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32225 with Father Anthony Bonela officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Park, 6920 Lone Star Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32211.

Memorials may be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society, Community Hospice or The Knights of Columbus at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 904-641-9755. Condolences may be left at www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com.Bobbie Dantzler (Charles).