William “Bill” Eldridge Ensign
William “Bill” Eldridge Ensign, 85, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, September 24, 2021, at home where he was surrounded by the love of his family.
Bill was born on March 25, 1936 to James Lee and Wilma Eldridge Ensign and was raised in Rossville, GA. He attended Missionary Ridge Elementary School and graduated from The McCallie School in 1954. He was a 1958 graduate of Emory University where he was a member of the Airforce ROTC and Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Following graduation from Emory, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for five years, two of which were spent in Okinawa.
After his military service, Bill joined his parents’ floral business, Ensign the Florist, in Rossville. Under his leadership, Ensign the Florist thrived, growing into one of the largest flower shops in the Chattanooga region. Founded by his parents in 1922, the flower shop continues to flourish and will celebrate 100 years in business next year. Bill treated his employees as family and will be remembered for his kind nature and generosity. In addition to his work at the flower shop, Bill was a longtime member of the board of directors for Rossville Bank and stayed active with the Rossville Jaycees.
An avid fisherman, Bill especially enjoyed spending time with friends chasing (if not always catching) redfish and speckled trout in Apalachicola Bay. The entertaining stories he brought back from these trips will continue to be recounted well into the future. An accomplished gardener, his green thumb was evident in his bountiful vegetable and flower gardens. Bill also enjoyed spending time with friends on the golf course. He especially enjoyed the occasional round with a special group of longtime buddies who often referred to him as the “mystery guest.”
Bill was part of the church family at the Anglican Church of the Redeemer.
Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather as well as a loyal brother and a dear friend to many. With his smile and calm manner, he treated everyone with kindness, respect, and compassion. Nothing made him happier than helping someone in need.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years Connelly Parks Ensign, brother James Lee Ensign, Jr. (Martha), son William Eldridge Ensign, Jr. (Meredith), grandson Liam Parker Ensign, and daughter Janet Ensign Neder (Adam), granddaughters Claire Lee Neder and Mary Hamilton Neder, of Spokane, Washington, as well as many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents James Lee and Wilma Eldridge, and niece Christie Ensign Wright.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, Oct. 3, at Heritage Funeral Home in Fort Oglethorpe, from 1-7 p.m. A private graveside service will be held at Forest Hills Cemetery the following day with Rev. Phil Hanner officiating.
The family invites you to celebrate Bill by brightening the day of someone you love by sending them flowers.
Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family and view the online memorial tribute.