William “Bill” Anthony Renkus, aged 62, who resided at 4901 SW 56th Terrace, Gainesville, Florida, passed away in his sleep on Sunday, November 18th, 2018.
Bill was born on April 28th, 1956 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His parents were Anthony Charles Renkus and Ann Garon Renkus. His education included B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Before moving to Florida to pursue his doctoral degree, he lived in the South Hills section of Pittsburgh. He was a passionate and committed educator. He taught telecommunications and public speaking at the University of Florida and Santa Fe College right up to the time of his death.
Bill was an avid recreational tennis player who played on many local USTA leagues over the years, both singles and doubles. He was known for his quick movement and good volleying skills. He also played every Saturday in an informal group at the Northeast park tennis courts, to which he has bequeathed in his will construction of a more permanent seating area.
One of Bill’s major interests was videography. He taught video production at UF for many years. Earlier in his life, he worked at a community cable television station in Pittsburgh and he made independent videos.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Ann Renkus. He is survived by his sister Tracy and her family (husband James and children Sarah, Jessica and Andrew).
A funeral mass will be held for Bill on Saturday, November 24 at 12:00 noon at Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd St., Gainesville, Florida. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, phone number 352-378-2528.
