Reverend William M. "Father Bill" Nolan

About

East Tennessee State University

William Nolan Obituary

NOLAN, Reverend William M. "Father Bill"Age 77. Died Friday, July 4, 2008 at Peachtree Nursing Home in Smyrna. A native of Nashville and born February 10, 1931, he was the youngest son of Patrick and Margaret Johnson Nolan. They precede him in death along with his brothers, Tom, Eugene, Patrick "Joe" and Frank; his sisters, Margaret "Maggie" Verchota, Alice (Sister Bernadelle) and Dorothy "Dot" Shelton. He is survived by his sister, Patricia "Patsy" Robinson of Louisville, KY; many nieces, nephews and cousins. After graduating from Cathedral Grammar School, Father Nolan was Salutatorian of his Father Ryan Class of 1949 and immediately entered the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, GA where he began his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained on June 23, 1957 by Bishop Francis E. Hyland for Cistercians of the Strict Observance. After a number of years as a part of the monastic community in Conyers, Father Nolan came back to serve as a priest in the Diocese of Nashville in 1966. His priestly duties included work in the East Tennessee communities of Harriman, Norris, LaFollette, Morristown, Newport and Clinton. He also served in residence at St. Mary Church in Nashville and as a chaplain at East Tennessee State University, The University of South at Sewanee, Saint Thomas Hospital and for the Sisters of Mercy at Saint Bernard Convent as well as the Dominican Sisters at St. Cecilia Convent. He was pastor at churches in Springfield, Cedar Hill, Decherd, Alto and St. Patrick in Nashville. Father Nolan was a professor and taught classes for several years at Aquinas College after obtaining advance degrees from both East Tennessee State and Vanderbilt University. As a part of his ministry, he also served on the Marriage Tribunal of the Diocese. Father Nolan retired from active ministry on February 10, 1996 and spent his final years writing two successful books, one on his life in the monastery, the other reflections on his life growing up as a Catholic in Nashville in the 1930s and 1940s. Visitation will be Sunday, July 6, 2008 from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. at the Fleming Center of the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 2015 West End Avenue. A Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 10 a.m., Monday, July 7, 2008 at The Cathedral. Nephews, other family members and friends will serve as Pallbearers. MARSHALL DONNELLY COMBS, (615) 327-1111

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Tennessean on Jul. 5, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Nolan

11 Entries

Amy Cornwell Hunsberger

November 21, 2023

I knew Father Bill as one of my professors at Aquinas, then he became one of my mentors. He was truly a kind and spiritual person and was always there for his students. I think of him fondly. Such a good man.

Joseph & Helen Dinaso

July 22, 2008

We first met Fr. Nolan when he first was sent to OLL in Springfield, Tn. Helen worked as his church secretary and we soon became very close personal friends.We spent many Saturday nights chatting and just having a good time.We also went on many retreats with the OLL youth group with him. He was one of the most caring individuals we have ever had the pleasure of knowing and have as a friend and Pastor

Scott VanDeBurg

July 11, 2008

Father Nolan, you are the best and will be truly missed.

I first met Bill when I was just 15 years old and he was stationed in Decherd, TN at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Some 20 years later, we remained in close contact, speaking over the phone just a few weeks ago.

"Faher Bill" always called me his Illegimitate Son and I always thought of him as my Father. After his "official" retirement, I was honored to have him officiate at my wedding in Atlanta and the following year he once again made the drive to witness my daughter's Baptism. I was fortunate to move back to Middle Tennessee 2 years ago and was able to see him more frequently.

I am proud of Father Bill for all he accomplished in life and for his service to others for over 50 years. The world is a better place for his contribution to it and will not be the same without his physical presence.

Karen Slater

July 10, 2008

Father Nolan was my Theology professor at Aquinas in the 80s and I loved that class, and him. Then he came to St. Pat's and during his time there my son Paul and I provided the music for Sat. night Masses. Paul must have been 13 or 14, learning the guitar, and we both played guitar and sang. We were known to throw in "unorthodox" bluegrass gospel songs when they reflected the readings that day. I'll always remember those Masses (and rehearsals!) with my young son. Father Nolan gave us complete musical freedom, never failed to express his delight with our contribution, and just made the Mass so prayerful. It was a mutual lovefest. I remember him as being so intelligent, quick to smile - I can see his smile now! - and he was so easy to talk to; a wonderful teacher and preacher. I spoke to him last at St. Pat's at a potluck - maybe for his retirement, or his book? - and complimented him on his book interview with John Seigenthaler on Word on Words on PBS. I reminded him of our acquaintance and told him and how delightful he was in conversation on TV about his book. Father Nolan made a lasting and deep impression on my life and my faith. He was a dear person and a beautiful priest.

Cheryl Stone

July 10, 2008

Fr. Nolan was my pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes in Springfield for several years. He baptized my two children, and brought my husband into the Church. Although we lost touch with him several years ago, I still remember the many times we spent talking on the swing out in our back yard, laughing over dinner and a glass of wine, and chuckling over perceived mishaps during Mass. He was a true servant of God and his spirit will remain a part of our family forever.

Katherine Connor Bishop

July 9, 2008

Billy, many, many years ago when we were in the 6th grade gave me the first box of Valentine candy I ever received-and I guess to this day it was the best! What stories we later shared about all the teasing we both received from our families.
Recently I found a small crumpled-up note, in handwriting I didn't recognize-but as I read it I remembered it was notes from a homily that Father Bill had written for a birthday celebration for my mother, Frances Connor, on her 89th birthday. I was trying to "get rid of stuff" but I am so glad that I put that paper in a very special place and will continue to treasure it.
Although we haven't been in touch recently, Billy has been and will be in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope to visit his gravesite in Conyers soon.

Sister Adamarie Kost, R.S.M.

July 9, 2008

"Billy" and I have been friends for many, many, years. I lived with his sister, Sister Mary Bernadelle, in Knoxville. Billy came to visit us often and we had lots of wonderful times with him. I'm grateful that I visited him last year with Sister M. Ann Francis Henkel, R.S.M. when I was in Nashville. We laughed and talked about our memories. Father was a great person and I'll miss him. May the God of Consolation be with the Nolan family. Know that you are in my prayers. Love & Prayers, Sister Adamarie Kost, R.S.M.

Dan Phillips

July 7, 2008

Father Bill, Father Gabriel, was a dear friend, helping me visit the sick in the hospital. We also had long talks about monasticism and once we shared the pulpit together at the death of a small child, Rather unique for a Catholic and a Baptist. I will miss him greatly !!!

During a recent visit with him and him being very weak, I came to the door and said, "Father Gabriel, it is time to get up and do the will of the Lord." To show his humour even in sickness he said, "Shut up." But he loved the Lord and helping others.

Theresa Morel Corbin

July 5, 2008

I knew Father Bill when he was a small boy--along with his entire family. May God have mercy on his soul and all the Nolan family.

Elaine Shelton/Eslinger

July 5, 2008

With love

Timothy J. Parrish

July 5, 2008

Father Bill was one of the very finest individuals I have ever known. He cared deeply about the needs of others, particularly those who lived each day facing challenges most of us cannot understand. He will be missed.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results