William "Bill" Albert "Bill" Williams

Bill Williams, age 82, affectionately known as "Papa" lived an amazing life. He was born in Loudon County Tennessee on March 26, 1943. He lived in Tullahoma, Tennessee for 33 years and then relocated to Centerville, Georgia for the remainder of his time with us. Bill loved everything about education. He graduated from Lenoir City High School Tennessee in 1961. That was only the beginning. He continued his education graduating from The University of Tennessee in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Later, in 1973, Bill achieved a Master of Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University. He continued his pursuit of knowledge with a final degree from The University of Tennessee with a Master of Science in 1985. Bill was passionate about his career and a true patriot for his civil service to both the space program and the military. He began his career at Arnold Engineering Development Center in 1965 with Sverdrup Technology, Inc. He was honored to receive several service awards for his professional contributions and leadership spanning 36 years. After his retirement from AEDC, Bill continued his career at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. As a civilian contractor, he served the US military for another ten years. Bill was a dedicated family man but was also known for his kindness and willingness to help his community. He had many passions and education/learning was always in the forefront. He loved teaching at the local community college and also providing a leadership role with Junior Achievement. Bill grew up on a farm and never lost his love of gardening. He would cultivate a bountiful garden each year as well as maintain a beautiful landscape anywhere he lived. Bill also sustained a love/hate relationship with golf. No one understood the physics of golf more, but applying his knowledge proved challenging. Nonetheless, he enjoyed his time on the links with friends. Finally, Bill's love for The University of Tennessee sports cannot be underestimated. He was an avid fan of baseball and basketball but nothing ranked higher than football. He was a superfan whose blood ran orange. Bill was a devout Christian and a member of First Baptist Church of Tullahoma, Tennessee and later attended Shirley Hills Church of Warner Robins, Georgia. He enjoyed studying scripture with his beloved Sunday school class for as long as he was able. Bill cared deeply for his family as well as countless friends and neighbors. One of the greatest joys of his life was his grandchildren. His heart was full of love for each of them and he could not be more proud of every accomplishment. Bill is preceded in death by his parents Johnny A. and Ruby Wright Williams. He is survived by: his brother, Charles Williams: his loving wife of 58 years, Carolyn Sue Williams: his son, John Williams: his grandchildren Dakota Williams, Zachary Williams, Darrion Dickerson and her husband Alexander: his daughter, Susan Williams Begley and her husband Jody: his grandchildren Jackson, Sydney and Deacon Begley. Papa, you will be missed immensely. We will forever long to see your smile, hear your laugh and look into your beautiful blue eyes. We thank you for all your love and hard work that has made our family so special. We will miss your Tennessee football commentary and sound advice on any subject. No one will ever be able to match your thorough research on any given product or topic. We can only hope to achieve your incredible work ethic and continue your commitment to teach and help others. Simply put, you have taught us to love deeply and for that we are grateful. You were the best son, husband, father and grandfather. May you rest in peace with God until we meet again. Visitation will be held at Kilgore Funeral Home on Sunday, August 17th, 2025 from 12:00-1:45pm. A graveside service will immediately follow at 2:00pm at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens with Rev. Andy Stallings officiating.