William Douglas "Bill" Gish

William Douglas "Bill" Gish

William Gish Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 19 to Mar. 24, 2024.
Nashville - William Douglas Gish, known to many as Bill, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 82. He was born on February 4, 1942, in Arkansas. Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and educator who touched the lives of many with his kindness and dedication.

Bill's passion for education led him to teach Spanish at Hume-Fogg Academic High School in Nashville, where he influenced countless students over the years. His love for travel took him far and wide, exploring the U.S., Canada, Europe, and participating in medical mission trips to Central and South America.

In 1968, Bill was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to lead an American school for local residents and expatriates. Throughout his career, he also served as the Director of Corporate Communication for Service Merchandise and taught English and Spanish in Missouri and Tennessee.

Bill was a devoted member of St. David's Episcopal Church in Nashville, where he found solace and community. A ceremony to honor his life will be held at St. David's Episcopal Church on April 13, 2024, at 3 pm, with visitation from 1 pm to 2 pm.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Bronzo Gish, sons Alexander and Jonathan Gish, daughter-in-law Claudia c'deBaca Gish, grandchildren Ruth and Henry Gish, brother Howard Gish, sister-in-law Nanette Patrick Gish, niece Alison, nephew Kevin, and 5 grandnieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Morris Dumas.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. David's Organ Fund or the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson's in honor of Bill's memory. Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love and dedication will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

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

Sign William Gish's Guest Book

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January 29, 2025

Roy Evans posted to the memorial.

March 24, 2024

Richard Cabeza de Baca posted to the memorial.

March 21, 2024

Eric Raspberry posted to the memorial.

Roy Evans

January 29, 2025

Susan, I am not sure if this too late, but I would like to express my sincere sadness in reading about Gish (he was always Gish to me, my roommate). While graduation, time and miles quickly separated us he was always a special person to me. I am 83 today, and I will truly spend the rest of my birthday sad because I just found out that someone very special is gone and it sounds like he touched many people throughout his lifetime. Roy Evans

Richard Cabeza de Baca

March 24, 2024

Dear Susan... I learned of Bill´s passing from Liz. I remember so well your kindness as well as Bill´s, and our many delicious shared dinners at your home and Bills banana pudding. . As well, I have fond memories of your visit to New Mexico and your time in Santa Fe. Anthony was saddened to learn of Bill´s passing and remembers the great cookies that Bill would make and send him. I´m thinking of you during this transition and sending you warm and loving thoughts. Richard Cabeza de Baca.

Eric Raspberry

March 21, 2024

I am very sorry to hear about Mr. Gish's passing. I will never forget Mr. Gish taking my brother and I to Memphis to say our final goodbyes to our father when we were young boys. Luckily our father survived his health scare, but this act of kindness by Mr. Gish shows the type of man he was. Although it's been years since seeing the Gish family, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Patt Sharp

March 21, 2024

Bill was a good man and a highly-regarded teacher at Kennett High School. That was a long time ago, but I remember both Bill and Susan fondly and extend my condolences.

Belinda Fender

March 20, 2024

Mr. Gish was my junior year English teacher in high school. Not only was he the best English teacher I ever had, he was probably one of the best teachers I ever had, period. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. Peace to his family and friends. He touched the lives of many.

Jessica Anderson

March 20, 2024

Jonathan and family I am so sorry for your loss. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Asafe Pereira

March 19, 2024

Few people in my life ever challenged my capabilities or intellect early on. I will always remember being pulled aside by Mr. Gish in class and him calling me out for doing just enough (mind you I got an A but not an. plus). He wanted to remind me I was better than that - I was more than just someone who could get by. I felt extremely seen and acknowledged by him that day. He was a special man.

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Sign William Gish's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 29, 2025

Roy Evans posted to the memorial.

March 24, 2024

Richard Cabeza de Baca posted to the memorial.

March 21, 2024

Eric Raspberry posted to the memorial.