William J. "Bill" Obi

William J. “Bill” Obi, beloved husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, and lifelong Jacksonville resident, passed away on July 27th, 2026 at 3:20pm surrounded by the love of his family. He was 80 years old.

Bill was born on December 11, 1945, in Karachi, India as his parents were en route from Iraq to the United States. Soon after, his family settled in Jacksonville, Florida.

He attended St. Paul’s Catholic School in Riverside before graduating from Bishop Kenny High School. Bill attended Creighton University, the University of Florida, and Jacksonville University where he excelled in mathematics. He left his studies to assume responsibility for the family grocery store. This decision reflected a defining characteristic that would guide his life: family always came first.

An entrepreneur through and through, Bill possessed an uncanny ability to spot opportunity. Throughout his career, he founded, owned, and operated an impressive variety of businesses. His ventures included the family grocery store, ownership and operation of several Texaco gas stations and a Chevron gas station in Orange Park, founding of a technology company that modified computer motherboards for technology firms, management of a truck stop in Vidalia, Georgia, founding of three other truck stops in Southeast Georgia, and operation of an ATM business serving small businesses throughout the community. In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Bill served as an accountant for several organizations. No matter the industry, he approached each venture with determination, creativity, and an unwavering belief that there was another opportunity around the corner. This work ethic is imprinted on his children and grandchildren alike.

Bill was known as much for his personality as for his work ethic. He had a quick wit and a fearless sense of humor, often speaking his mind candidly. He could fall asleep almost anywhere at a moment’s notice– a talent that became legendary among those who knew him best. He was, for better or worse, a meticulous story teller, insisting on getting every detail right before reaching the punchline. It was often worth the wait as you were guaranteed a laugh or two along the way.

Above all else, Bill cherished his family. He shared an extraordinary 55-year marriage with the love of his life, Jeni. His greatest joy came from spending time with his children and grandchildren. When asked why he didn’t spend more time with friends, Bill’s answer was simple: “Why would I need friends? I have all of you.” His family was his greatest accomplishment, his greatest source of pride, and the center of his world.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Obi and Russlia Obi.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Jeni Obi; his children: Erica D’Arienzo (Justin), Shawn Obi (Andrea), Jason Obi (Claudia), and William "Blake" Obi (Chanice); and his grandchildren: Aiden, Julia, Katherine, and William “Liam” D’Arienzo; Rose, Graham, Calista, and Gibson Obi; Elijah and William “Wiley” Obi; Valentina and Sebastian Foinquinos.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his family. He taught those around him perseverance, the excitement of chasing ideas, the value of a laugh, and the importance of showing up for the people you love.

He will be well remembered and deeply missed.

The funeral will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026 at San Jose Catholic Church, 3619 Toledo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32217. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place immediately afterward at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the San Jose Catholic Church Capital Campaign: 3619 Toledo Road, Jacksonville, Fl 32217 or to the Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care: 4266 Sunbeam Road Jacksonville, Florida 32257, or give online at http://thefoundationcares.org/give. Please make a note that your donation is in memory of Bill Obi.