William Cooper Gatch Obituary 2026 – Statesboro, GA Death: William Cooper Gatch, 23, of Statesboro, Georgia, passed away tragically on Monday, April 6, 2026, while hiking with his sister at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, Connecticut. Born October 24, 2002, to Jason Ashley and Dr. Delena Bell Gatch, William’s life was a testament to curiosity, compassion, and a deep love for the outdoors.
A 2021 graduate of Southeast Bulloch High School, William was set to earn his Bachelor’s in Agricultural Education from the University of Georgia this spring. In his final semester, he student-taught at Madison County High School, passionately guiding FFA students and sharing their triumphs with family. His career path blended “piddling”—tinkering with anything mechanical, especially two-stroke motors—with a calling to nurture young minds. Earlier jobs at Georgia Southern’s Shooting Sports Education Center, lawn care, dredging, maintenance, and Home Depot honed his skills and confirmed his passion for working with children.
Nature was William’s sanctuary, where he felt closest to the Lord. Fishing at his grandparents’ pond for largemouth bass or along the Ogeechee River brought him peace—habits that defined his weekends and post-work escapes from Athens. Tragically, this love led to his final moments in Connecticut’s woods.
William is survived by parents Jason and Delena Gatch; sister Whitley Gatch; Aunt Dora “Dodo” Bell; and Granny Janice Cowart, all of Statesboro. Pallbearers: Travis Rushing, Hunter Willis, TJ Pittenger, Adam Stone, Tim Wall, and Brian Elrick.
Service Details
Times and information forthcoming. Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory of Statesboro is handling arrangements. Sign the online register at www.joineranderson.com.
Memorials to Georgia FFA Foundation, P.O. Box 237, Swainsboro, GA 30401 (memo: In memory of William). Special thanks to Hamden first responders for their compassion.
“William was and will always be loved; may his memory be a blessing.” Rest in peace.
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