William Emory Durham Jr.

William E. Durham, Jr. (Bill) passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026 at the age of 94 and entered into the presence of the Lord. He leaves behind a legacy of love and Christian devotion.

Bill was born on November 23, 1931 in Jacksonville, FL. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, class of ’49. He served in the Marine Corps Reserve and was active duty in the Korean War in 1951-1952. He entered Florida State University in 1952 where he was a member of the Flying High Circus, the Varsity Swim Team and Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

It was at FSU, while a judge at Freshman Cheerleading Tryouts, that he met the love of his life, Pat Harris. He graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Real Estate and Insurance. In the summer of 1956 Bill and Pat were married and were blessed with two children, Carol and Bob.

Bill’s professional career included mortgage lending and real estate sales and appraising. He ended his career at Florida East Coast Railway and St. Joe Company.

Bill was a faithful member of Christian Family Chapel where he was an adult class teacher for 17 years and an elder for 13 years. He enjoyed attending FSU football games, long bike rides, playing golf, tennis and hiking in the mountains. He loved traveling with Pat and good friends, but his favorite place to be was their condo in the mountains near Blowing Rock, N.C.

Bill was devoted to his family and prayed faithfully for each of them. He was a loving husband to Pat for 68 years, a wonderful dad and an amazing Papa!

Bill leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his memory. He is survived by his loving children Carol Penland (Phil), Bob Durham (Willene), 5 grandchildren Kristin (Chris), Kelly, Tracie (Doug), Mike (Brittany), Jessie (David), 8 great grandchildren (Blake, Chelsea, Lexi, Brandon, Harrison, Lincoln, Brayleigh and River). He is preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Pat and his parents.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Christian Family Chapel 10365 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to Christian Family Chapel in honor of Bill’s commitment to his faith.