William D Gladney

William D. Gladney, 80, passed on to his eternal life with our Heavenly Father on January 30, 2021. He was born to Jewel Fleming and Mildred Irene Gladney on August 30, 1940, in Heard County, Georgia.  He graduated from Mary Person’s High School and completed his education with a BS in Chemistry and Math at the University of Georgia/Georgia State University. He was an entrepreneur, chemist, and successful businessman.  He established Excel Chemical Company in Jacksonville, FL in 1972 and retired as President and Owner in 2015.  He worshipped and served at Ortega UMC, Orange Park UMC and most recently, Highpoint Community Church in Orange Park, FL.  He was also a member of the West Side Rotary Club, the Jacksonville Bulldog Club, and the ISSA.

He was a brilliant, quick-witted comic who loved God, people, Georgia Football, dancing with his bride and fishing.  There is so much more to be said of Bill Gladney, but the most important is this…

He was a righteous man who did his utmost to walk humbly with our God, to provide for his family in not only earthly riches, but heavenly treasures as well.  He found great joy and purpose in bringing light and laughter to everyone he met.  He loved deeply and is deeply loved and missed by his family and friends. 

He is survived by his sisters Melba Gladney Ford and Dorothy Gladney Morris and their families, his adoring wife Joan Ellen Taylor Gladney, their three daughters (1) Karen Denise Gant and her husband Michael Gant, (2) Donna Lorraine (Lorri) Dresbach, her husband David Dresbach, son Dustin (wife Braden and daughters Areli and Danielle) and son Dakota (wife Katie) and (3) Natalie René Barczak, her husband Joel Barczak and their two sons Judd and Clay.

As his family, we will do our best to continue his rich legacy to do what is right, love and appreciate all that is good and share the light of the world wherever we go. 

Due to the challenges of gathering with family and friends amid COVID-19, a celebration of life service has not yet been determined but will be communicated as soon as scheduled. In lieu of flowers, donations to Highpoint Community Church (84 Knight Boxx Road, Orange Park, FL 32065) or Community Hospice and Palliative Care of Clay County (4689 US 17, Suite #9, Fleming Island, FL 32003) are appreciated.