William Basil Pence Jr.

Living an earthly life so completely that, when illness comes, you pray to transition quickly to your heavenly home is testimony to a deep faith, gratitude for what has been and longing for all things yet to come. And so it was that on October 8, 2023, William B. Pence, Jr., age 98, slipped into the arms of Jesus from the McGraw Palliative and Hospice Care Center.

A graduate of Dartmouth College, Bill served for many years as an elder of the Jacksonville Beach Church of Christ and, prior to his retirement, was the Vice Chairman of the Samuel Taylor Foundation. His military service included assignments during World War II and the Korean conflict, and he retired with the rank of LCDR. His civilian career was with the Insurance Company of North America, where he served for 24 years as Manager and Claims Attorney of the Jacksonville regional office.

His legacy is strong and deep, and those on whom he lavished love, support, and Godly wisdom consider themselves blessed. He was a revered role model, even to the community that surrounded him, and offered only encouragement. Bill entertained many with his dry wit and he loved the game of golf. He often shot his age and had 5 holes-in-one that he would humbly mention - occasionally.

In 2016, after 65 happy and fulfilling years, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Adele Jordan Pence. They had two children, Eva Michelle Levick (Eddie) and Kenneth William Pence (Marsha), and four grandchildren, Sheree Levick Cobia (Brandon), Lauren Levick Paradis (Nathan), Meredith Pence Bell (Nicholas) and Jordan Paulk Pence (Kelsey). Eight great-grandchildren also survive: Camryn and Mason Cobia, Hudson and Everett Bell, Benson and Merrick Pence, and Cody and Lily Paradis.

In 2018, Bill married Nancy Garella Pence and they enjoyed 5 years of laughter, cruises, and evenings watching old television shows. His family is grateful to Nancy for the love and enthusiasm for life she brought to his final years.

Funeral services will be held at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills (St. Johns Bluff Road) on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. and the memorial service will follow at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Christian Home and Bible School at 301 W. 13th Avenue, Mt Dora, FL 32757, or the Samuel Taylor Foundation of Jacksonville at 6601 Chester Avenue 32217,

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com for the Pence family.