William A Vessels

William (Bill) Allen Vessels, 84, died on January 4, 2020 at Cypress Village Senior Living Community in Jacksonville, FL.

Bill was born in Gadsden, Alabama. He attended Samford University, and later earned his doctorate in music from Indiana University. He served in the U.S. Army before beginning his career in teaching. Bill was a faculty member at Jacksonville University for many years, teaching voice to a number of students and developing lifelong relationships with several of them. After retiring from JU, Bill served as the Executive Director for the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc.

Bill enjoyed years of traveling throughout the world with his wife Shirley, and he was a dedicated volunteer with the music program for many years at his church, Southside Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

Bill was predeceased in death by his beloved daughter, Paula Vessels, and his parents, Julius and Mozelle Vessels. Surviving family members include his wife, Shirley; his sister Miriam Vessels; and his brother Jim Vessels. Appreciation is offered to Community Hospice for their compassionate care, as well as the many years of friendship and care by members of Southside Baptist Church, especially Dr. Gary Webber.

A virtual memorial service will be held on Friday, January 15 at 3:00 pm, with Dr. Gary Lee Webber, Senior Pastor of Southside Baptist Church, presiding. Those interested in attending can access the service via Facebook. Go to the Facebook page for Southside Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL, and click on the event, “Vessels Memorial Service”. The service will be recorded and posted on the church’s YouTube channel for those not able to view the original service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the music ministry of Southside Baptist Church in Jacksonville.