William "Bill" Jackson Atchley

William “Bill” Jackson Atchley, 91, of Phenix City, AL died at Columbus Piedmont North, Columbus, GA Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM (EST) on Thursday, July 03, 2025, in the Chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL with Rev. Randy Comer officiating according to Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL. A private interment will follow in Lakeview Memory Gardens.

Mr. Atchley was born December 28, 1933, in Whitwell, TN, son of the late Sara Nola Vandegriff Pickett. He was a Korean War Veteran, something he was very proud of. After the war he joined the workforce and eventually started Atchley Steel Company. When his son Steve was old enough to work, he joined Mr. Bill and they worked side by side for many years.

Mr. Bill loved all kinds of animals, especially his coon dogs and coon hunting. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing in a gospel band with his wife Sue, their Pastor and fellow parishioners. He had a passion for NASCAR as well as working on and restoring antique cars with his son, Steve. He especially loved the 1936 Ford with a hot-rodded Ford Flat Head engine.

We will remember him as a family man who had a great sense of humor. He was a patriot, Christian and an entrepreneur.

Mr. Atchley was preceded in death by his mother, Sara Nola Pickett; his grandparents who raised him, Papa and Granny Vandergriff; his wife, Sylvia Sue Atchley, an infant daughter, Tina and a great-grandson, Korbin Atchley.

Survivors include his son, Steve Atchley (Lynne). Phenix City, AL; two grandchildren, Leland Atchley (Autum) and Rachel Leigh Keith (Patrick); great-grandson, Kason Michael Atchley; special cousins he considered siblings, J.D., Willie Carrol, Marjorie and Kathy all of Whitwell, TN; several other family members and friends.