William Chesnut

Mr. William T. Chesnut, Jr. age 97 of Gainesville passed away at his daughter’s home in Green Cove Springs, Monday, July 15, 2024. He was born March 18, 1927, in Miami to William and Grace (Wakefield) Chesnut and served in the United States Navy during World War II. Mr. Chesnut founded Central Florida Office Supply and thoroughly enjoyed making it grow and contributing to the community of Gainesville where he respected his employees and customers. Mr. Chesnut was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Gainesville, Trinity Episcopal in Melrose, Eastside Garden Club, and Gainesville High School “Has Beens”. He felt Gainesville to be an outstanding city and tried to contribute to it by serving on the Boards of The Salvation Army (25 Years), Morningside Park, Chamber of Commerce, was president of PTA, and Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop #83 for 13 years. Mr. Chesnut enjoyed life and loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his first wife: Bonnie, and second wife Gwynneth, and Sister Muriel Bryan. Left behind to cherish his memory is his wife Joyce (Newell) Chesnut and his children Helen Maxfield Williams (Chris) of Green Cove Springs, James Chesnut (Pat) of South Daytona, and “W.T.” Chesnut (Mary) of Melrose, along with his brother Wesley Chesnut of Chattanooga, TN. He was lovingly called “Granddaddy or Grandpa” by grandchildren Christy, James, Rebecca, Sarah, Will, Amanda, Raymond, 7 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grand’s. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 19, 2024, in the Milam Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Father Tony Powell presiding. Interment will be private at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to one of the following, Salvation Army, The Shriner’s Hospital, or Trinity Episcopal Church in Melrose.
Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL HOME, INC., 311 S. Main St. Gainesville, FL 32601. (352) 376-5361. www.milamfh.com