William H. "Bill" Chilson

William (Bill) Harlow Chilson

December 2, 1937 – September 19, 2025

William "Bill" Chilson of Collegedale, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, at the age of 87.

Born on December 2, 1937, Bill lived a life marked by quiet service, deep faith, and steady dedication to those he loved. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was a participant in the historic White Coat Project. His work took him to Walter Reed Hospital, and he later contributed to the construction of the Smithsonian Institution: a legacy that reflects his lifelong commitment to excellence and craftsmanship.

Bill was a self-employed master carpenter, and his meticulous nature created lasting projects that stood as a testament to both his skill and care. In his youth, he collected maple syrup, a passion he never outgrew and joyfully shared with friends and family throughout his life. His vivid memory of people, places, and facts often amazed those around him, and his thoughtful, steady presence made him the one other turned to when problems needed solving.

Among the many small joys that marked his later years, Bill especially cherished his friendship with his childhood best friend, Bob Adams. The two could often be found sharing breakfast at Hardee's or walking the neighborhood street they'd both called home for decades. Simple but meaningful traditions that reflect a lifelong bond.

A member of the Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church for 44 years, Bill's faith was the foundation of his life. He attended Mt. Vernon Academy in his early years and lived out his values in every stage of life, through service, integrity, and quiet strength.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Dores Chilson; mother, Alice Chilson; son, Charles (Chucky) Chilson; and his first wife, Doris Chilson, sister Priscilla Russell, brother David Chilson.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Sondra Cox Chilson, and their children: Tamra Cox, Mark Cox (Heather), Cynthia Chilson, Stacia Jefferies (John) , Sandra Pitts (Gary), Mike Cox (Sindy), and Robert Chilson (Christee). He was a proud grandfather to Ami Miller (Brian), Dustin Coffman (Ellen), Laura Ramirez (Jonathan) Duran Cox, Heather Ellis, Missy Kelly (Josh), Tanner Cox (Ashley), Preston Cox, Ryan Cox (Hana), Rachel Cox, Andrew Cox, Steven Chilson (Mishelle), and Gavin Chilson. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren: Chase, Ash, Blake (Lorissa), Launa, Alayna, Chandler, Ayda, Danika, Camdyn, Taylor, and Landyn along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.

Bill loved the Lord, his family, and maple syrup along with sharing his and Sondra's story to anyone willing to listen. He will be remembered for his dependability, his unwavering faith, and the thoughtful way he showed up when it mattered most.

Funeral Services for Bill will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Ooltewah Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

The family will receive friends from 2 – 3:00 PM prior to the service.

Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.

Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.