Bill Barron

William "Bill" Nathaniel Gale Barron III, 72, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on August 25, 2025, following a battle with cancer.

Bill was born on February 27, 1953, in Shirley, Massachusetts, to William N.G. Barron Jr. and Wanda Jean Barron. He grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, alongside his six siblings: Cindy, Kathy, Carol, Sabrena, Keith, and Trish. He graduated from Knoxville West High School in 1971 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Austin Peay University in Clarksville, Tennessee. He later received a Master of Science from the University of Tennessee.

While living in Knoxville, Bill met the love of his life, Marcia. They were married on May 6, 1978, in Adams, Tennessee, and soon settled in the Clarksville/Adams area to farm and raise their two children. Bill devoted more than 30 years to Research and Development at Oscar Mayer, where he played a key role in creating new products, including the original Subway sandwich meats, Lunchables, and fat-free ham. His work took him around the world, including to Denmark and Germany to study food science techniques, as well as Mongolia on a United Nations service mission. He was the holder of two U.S. patents.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bill faithfully served in many callings throughout his life, including as bishop of the Hendersonville, Tennessee, Ward. His dedication to his faith was reflected in the way he served his family, his church, and his community.

Above all, Bill was deeply committed to his family. He was a lifelong Tennessee Vols fan, an Eagle Scout, and a Scoutmaster who passed on his love of learning, sports, and service to his children and grandchildren. His interests included reading, history, fishing, golf, and cheering on his grandsons at their activities.

Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marcia; his children, Will (Annie) Barron and Eliza (Shawn) Bettinger; his grandchildren, Liam and Carsten Barron; and his step-granddaughter, Sophia Bettinger.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday September 6th 2025 at 11:00am at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in the Garden of Love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Pat Summit Foundation P.O. Box 31002 Knoxville, TN 37930 contactus@patsummit.org (865) 213-2900 or Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation 5526 West 13400 South, #510 Herriman, Utah 84096 info@cholangiocarcinoma.org (385) 218-3013 Or the charity of your choice.