William "Bill" Oldham

William "Bill" Oldham was born November 17, 1949, to Pete and Tina Oldham. He was a lifelong Memphian proud of his family and roots growing up in Fort Pickering, South Memphis and Whitehaven. Bill was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Louis Parish for 30 years. He attended Nativity, St. Thomas and Memphis Catholic High School. He then attended Memphis State University before beginning his 27 years of service with the Memphis Police Department where he rose through the ranks from Patrolman to Director. Sheriff Oldham dedicated his life to serving and protecting our community with unwavering integrity, courage, and compassion. He was more than just a lawman - he was a leader with a heart for people, a role model of ethical conduct, and a steady hand in times of crisis. Having led two of this community's largest agencies – the Memphis Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Oldham demonstrated his love and commitment to safety for our community. Sheriff Oldham was elected to two terms as Sheriff, as well as being honored by his peers at the Tennessee Sheriff's Association as Sheriff of the Year. He mentored and supported his Chief Deputy, now Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr., as well as MPD leaders and many others. Second to policing, Sheriff Oldham's lifelong passion was sports. He grew up playing football and baseball. He also loved playing softball with his brother, their friends, and with his fellow police officers. Bill was especially proud of winning the "World Corkball Championship" on at least one occasion with his brother Terry. Sheriff Oldham loved to watch sports, all of them, and he loved to cheer on the Tigers, Cubs and most of all the Fighting Irish. Bill passed his love of sports on to future generations, coaching at St. Joseph, St. Paul, St. Louis and Bishop Byrne. His love of children also led him to use the Sheriff's Office to fight for incarcerated youth, refusing to give up on them. Sheriff Oldham set a standard that others could only hope to follow, always leading by example and treating everyone he encountered with fairness and respect. Beyond the badge, Sheriff Oldham was a devoted family man. He cherished his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His love for his family was evident in everything he did - the stories he shared, the pride in his voice, and the values he instilled. Of all the titles Sheriff Oldham earned in his lifetime, his most cherished was "Chiefy" the name given to him by his six loving grandchildren. Our community has lost a pillar - someone who gave his all not for recognition, but because he truly cared. He believed in justice, in doing the right thing even when it was difficult, and in building a safer, better place for all of us. Sheriff Oldham leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. His impact lives on in the lives he touched, the people he helped, and the example he set for generations to come. Bill is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Jean, his three children Neal (Ashley), Katie (Jay Fik) and Beth (Clay Coletta); his grand children Maddie and Will, Elaina, Lilah and Poppy Fik and Hoyt Coletta, his brother Terry (Robin) and sister Cathy (Mark Palazola) and his three nieces and three nephews and four great nieces and two great nephews and countless cherished cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tennessee Public Safety Network ( https://www.tnpsn.org ), an organization close to Sheriff Oldham's heart. This nonprofit organization provides peer support, training, and mental health resources to first responders and their families across the state, ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to protecting others have the care and support they need in times of stress, trauma, and healing. The Oldham Family will receive family and friends for visitation on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930. "Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924."