William “Bill” Gehm, born July 4, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on September 6th, 2026. Bill lived 93 remarkable years filled with family, service, faith, humor, and love. A proud Navy veteran, Bill moved to Jacksonville after his service and married his sweetheart, Peggy Brennan, in January 1956. Together they built a loving family and a life rooted in Arlington, Christ the King Catholic Church, and the Jacksonville community.
Bill was a longtime member of Electricians Union Local 177 and spent much of his career with White Electric Construction Company, Inc. He joined American Legion Post 283 in 1965 and was its longest-serving member at the time of his passing. Known for his servant’s heart, he volunteered faithfully, honored veterans, made coffee before early Mass, and brought joy to generations as Santa Claus for 42 years.
Above all, Bill treasured his family. He loved sports, travel, church, his union, his country, and every opportunity to cheer on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was present, devoted, organized, quick with an opinion, and dearly loved by all who knew him.
Bill was preceded in death by his youngest granddaughter, Ashley. He is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy; children Laura, Donna (Ron), and Kevin; grandchildren Lisa, Amy (Jay), Jason (Omi), Bryce, Eric (Rebecca), and Sean; and great-grandchildren Chloe, Landon, Morgan, Ariel, Eden, Clayton, Payton, Jonah, and Savannah. Here’s to 93 very good years. Cheers!
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to alz.org in Bill’s memory, to help end Alzheimer’s.
The family will host a Visitation on Wednesday, 09/16/26, from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home; at 850 Saint Johns Bluff Rd N, Jacksonville, FL 32225.
There will be a Celebration of Life honoring Bill on Thursday, 09/17/26 at 11:00am; also at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home.
