William Clark Gossett, Jr.

Published 1:56 pm Monday, December 6, 2021

William Clark “Billy” Gossett, Jr., 75, passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2021, surrounded by his family. The funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Melissa Traver officiating. Interment was private. Due to the ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, those attending were asked to maintain the recommended safe social distancing of six feet and/or wear protective masks in accordance with the State of Georgia guidelines.

The family received friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 541, Bainbridge, GA 39818.

Billy was born September 26, 1946, in Atlanta, Ga., to the late William “Bill” and Myrtle Gilbert Gossett.   Billy was a 1964 graduate of Bainbridge High School and later obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Georgia Southwestern in Americus, Ga. Billy, along with his late brother, Henry, owned the Gossett Electric Company, which was founded by their father, Bill. In March 1969 Billy married the love of his life, Elon Nicholson Gossett and together they had two children, Paige and William.

Billy had a great love for his family. He enjoyed taking the grandchildren on trips and giving them new experiences. He was able to take them to such places as Alaska and Canada. He also enjoyed spending time with his family fishing on the family farm in Sycamore, Ga.

Billy was an avid duck hunter and something worth remembering always seemed to happen. He always said, “if there wasn’t a story to tell, it didn’t happen”. Billy dedicated much of his charitable time and gifts to the Bainbridge Jaycees and Ducks Unlimited. Billy was a Diamond sponsor of Ducks Unlimited and held offices from local area chairman to the State of Georgia chairman. He enjoyed traveling to many local, state, and national conventions and was featured in both Ducks Unlimited and Georgia Sportsman magazines.

Billy learned to play bridge as a young man and continued to play bridge with a close group of friends. He was very competitive and could remember every card in play.  Every Wednesday night you could count on Billy being out with the Wednesday Night Men’s group having dinner. He enjoyed discussing everything from sports to politics. It was understood that what was said in the men’s group, stayed in the men’s group.  Billy loved to cheer on the Bainbridge High School Bearcats and the Florida State Seminoles, and was a season ticket holder to both for many years.

Billy was a lover of western movies, often watching the same movies over and over. He was a great storyteller who could engage groups of people with his quick wit and charming personality.

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Elon Nicholson Gossett; his daughter Paige Gnann (Alan); his son William Gossett (Amanda); his grandsons Jarred Gnann and Joseph Gnann; and his granddaughter Anna Gossett. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Myrle Gossett; and his brother, Henry Gossett.