Christopher John Pelkowski

"The best portion of a good man's life is in his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love." William Wordsworth
It is in this, that we know we celebrate a good man's life as we mourn the loss of Christopher J. Pelkowski. Chris, age 44, of Valdosta, passed away surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, August 10th, after a courageous battle against complications following surgery. He was a remarkable man—loving husband, patient and generous father, loyal son, faithful brother and friend and a caring, compassionate coach.
Chris was born on December 1, 1968 to USAF Capt. (ret.) John and Denise Pelkowski, at Scott AFB in Illinois. As part of a military family, Chris lived in a number of places both stateside and abroad, before moving to Valdosta. Although he loved many sports, he discovered a lifelong passion for soccer. After graduating Valwood School, he attended both Valdosta State University and Valdosta Technical College before putting his knowledge to use in opening his first business, Stereo Junction. It was during this time he met his future bride, Kimberly Lynn Cornett, the woman who would complete him as he completed her. They were married on August 24th, 1996 and started the most remarkable chapter of his life—their family. Chris and Kim have two amazing children, Luke, 13, and Olivia, 8 and it was through them that Chris found his calling and purpose in life, in being a thoughtful husband, a hard-working provider and a wise father. It was in this family that he felt the call to follow the Lord, after seeing the example afforded to him by his in-laws, Hamilton and Jane Cornett. One of his life's most precious moments came when he was baptized along with his son, Luke.
It was also through his children that he found his talent as a soccer coach. Not just in teaching skills to his players, but touching their lives with lessons in hard work, perseverance, sportsmanship, friendship and the value of being a part of a team.
Chris made his mark in the business world of Valdosta, most recently as an assistant service manager of Valdosta Toyota, where he made friends of co-workers and customers alike. Outside of work, he enjoyed playing golf, trips to the beach with family and friends and Ford Mustangs.
He will be greatly missed by many, but will always live in the hearts of his wife Kim, his children, Luke and Olivia, father and step-mother, John and Valerie Pelkowski (Sun City Center, FL), father and mother-in law, Hamilton and Jane Cornett (Greensboro, GA), brothers and sisters-in law, Monica and Kirk Burns (Raleigh, NC), David and Hope Bosworth (Dallas, TX), niece and nephews Jennifer, Cameron and Jacob, and a great niece and nephew Addison and Cooper, as well as many others who were a part of his life. Although he was an only child, he felt he found a sister in the friendship of Lori Mathis (Adel, GA).
A service will be held Friday, August 16th at 6:30pm at Crossroads Baptist Church in Valdosta and will be officiated by Dr. Ken Alford. In lieu of flowers, there will be a special fund for the children established at Southwest Georgia Bank. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602