Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
William Colligan Obituary
Murfreesboro, TN - William "Bill" J. Colligan, was born May 10, 1962, age 58 of Murfreesboro, TN, formally of Brentwood, NY and Dover, PA passed away Tuesday, December 22, 2020. He was the son of the late John W. Colligan and Mildred Leitgeb Colligan.
Bill is survived by his wife of 37 years and childhood sweetheart Georgeann "Bonnie" Brown Colligan and their dog Harley of Murfreesboro, TN. Bill is the beloved father of four children; daughter Catherine Ryan Colligan and husband Shaun Humphries of Murfreesboro, TN, daughter Kelly Patricia Barker and husband Adam Barker of York, PA, son John James Colligan of Enola, PA, daughter Cassie Rose Colligan of Murfreesboro, TN. He also leaves behind his sister Catherine "Cathy" Potter and brother-in-law William "Bill" Potter of York, PA. Sister-in-law Catherine Brown Parkoff and husband Barry Parkoff. He is the "Pop Pop" of three grandchildren Bryant John Humphries of Murfreesboro, TN, Adaline Zoey Barker and Ian John Barker of Dover, PA. Nieces and Nephews Jason Robert Yerk and wife Melanie Yerk, Meredith Ryan Yerk and partner Charles Okraku, Caitlin Mary Lynn and husband Steven Lynn, Kristin Ann Potter and fiancé Raul Galarza Jr., and Godson Kevin John Potter. Great nieces and nephews Alexandria, Conner and Lillian DeVall, Charlemane Okraku. Along with many cousins and friends
Bill was a hard-working loving man who loved to joke around and loved the NY Giants. Bill loved and lived life to the fullest. Bill loved spending time with his family and friends his hobbies were wood working, yard sales, fishing, boating, and dancing. Nicknamed "Uncle Bill" by his downtown Nashville family and "Big Shotz" he was always there to listen and offered to help in any way he could. Bill was a volunteer fire fighter in Schoharie, NY and a member of the Dover Township fire police in Dover, PA. Bill will be missed by so many.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to your local Police, Fire, or EMS.
Visitation will be held at Woodfin Funeral Chapel in Murfreesboro, TN from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2020 with service to follow immediately after. In honor of Bill's love of sports wear your favorite team shirt or jersey. Due to COVID masks are required. For those unable to attend there will be a Zoom meeting setup for the service.
An online guestbook is available at www.woodfinchapel.com
615-893-5151
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Colligan
Sponsored by InYork.com.
Kim Groff
December 24, 2022
Dear Bonnie and Family,
Hard to believe another year has gone by since Billy's passing. The heartache feels just like yesterday when seeing his picture or speaking of him. I think of Billy often as well as you, Bonnie and the family. I have beautiful memories of each encounter we shared to be so grateful for. Billy was indeed one of a kind and loved by everyone!!
Bonnie, you have been so STRONG with the loss of your high school sweetheart over the last 2 years. Billy would be so proud of you but then again, he always was! You were the love of his life and he cherished & admired everything about you and his ENTIRE family.
As we approach another Christmas Eve without that smiling face to see or touch, I am so proud to honor him for the courageous battle he fought and the lives he touched. However, most importantly for the beautiful memories he left with me to cherish and know he is in the best of care now until we meet again.
Merry Christmas in Heaven Billy and to Bonnie and the Entire Family!
Lovingly Always
Honey Girl, Kim
Kim Groff
December 24, 2021
It is so hard to believe a year has gone by so fast, Billy.
I see your smile as I type this to you. You were such a wonderful Father, Husband and Friend to everyone.
I cherish the laughter, tears, love and times we shared as more than a friend and as Bonnie always said we are FAMILY!
On this Christmas Eve please know you are missed beyond words and loved even more forever and always!
Kelly
January 13, 2021
I love you daddy!!
Honey Girl, Kim
January 3, 2021
Dear Bonnie and Family,
There are not enough Good words to speak of such an AMAZING man. I was so richly blessed with the pleasure of meeting and becoming part of his family. I met Billy while working with my #1 Partner, his true love and wife, Bonnie, at Memorial Hospital. His HUGS certainly left you know how he felt about you cause they were from his heart.
I can't thank Billy enough for his visits he would make to come to see us at work. He didn't leave before giving me my HUG so I knew he was there.
Our bond became even more when Kelly gave birth to both of her babies while I was working. I always knew the closeness but being able to reassure both Billy and Bonnie that Kelly and the babies were good was the BEST gift I could give them being in Tennessee and me being right there. Kelly informed the nurses that her second Mom, Ms. Kim needs to know EVERYTHING! Bonnie, the unity, love, respect and admiration that both Billy and you shared is something rare and unique.
Something for you and your family to cherish forever.
I wish I could have been there for you, Bonnie, but unfortunately that was not possible being in my working position. However, my spirit, soul
and every prayer were with you every step you took.
Billy, thank you for the memories of your smile, the HUGS, the visits and for ALWAYS making me feel as part of your Beautiful Family!
You were OUR Blessing HERE ~ NOW you are OUR Guardian Angel!
Until we meet again ~ Rest in peace.
With Abundant Love, Sympathies and Prayers to all the family, friends and acquaintances that had the privilege of meeting and knowing, Billy.
Lauren Fillhart
December 31, 2020
Knowing Uncle Bill was one of my great life privileges. He was one of the first humans I met when I came to Nashville, and he always made sure to check on me. He was always there to lend an ear and some life advice. He will be so greatly missed by so many people.
Heather Adams
December 31, 2020
So glad I had the privilege to know you, You always made me smile and gave the best hugs! Nashville will not be the same without you!
Brin, Tommy and Scarlett McNeill
December 30, 2020
My mother in law likes to tell the story of Uncle Bill being at the hospital when our daughter was born. She says “I’m pretty sure he was the first one there and the last to leave!” He bought the biggest bear for Scarlett and that’s something she will be sure to keep forever. You were always there for both Tommy and I. We love you and know we will see you again one day.
Rachel Cagley
December 30, 2020
Great great man! The love he had for Aunt Bonnie is rare and the great job they did with their kids is proof of what type of man he was. He will definitely be missed everyday by sooo many people but we will always have him with us forever. The impact he made on each person he met will never go away.
Peggy Anderson
December 30, 2020
Always a smile and a hardy laugh, glad to call you friend, lotsa fond memories of my Nashville visit! May you rest in RIP! To Bonnie and the family remember the good times! Prayers to you all.
Jayda Miller
December 30, 2020
No words can describe how truly amazing you were. You were a second father to me and I’m forever grateful I got the chance to know you! You were someone most people looked up to, and loved dearly with your outstanding, funny, and loving personality. You will forever be missed but never forgotten! Love you always xoxo
Shawna Baker
December 29, 2020
I will never forget the first conversation I had with uncle Bill. He said he was nervous about moving to Nashville, and Meridith told him our 2nd Avenue bar family was the best ever. He not only moved, he stayed, and became our uncle too. He will truly be missed.
Tom and Marie Boutwell
December 29, 2020
We are so very sorry for your loss. May God comfort you in knowing that Bill is with Him now, walking in the joy and light of eternal life and forever watching over his beloved family. We love you.
Barbara Abbott
December 29, 2020
Bill was a happy, caring person who never wanted anyone to worry about him. He loved his children and grandchildren and would do anything for them. Rest in peae!
Debra DeStefano
December 28, 2020
So sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jennie Jorgensen
December 28, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Kim Rose
December 28, 2020
Im so glad I got the privilege to know you, You always made me smile. Nashville will not be the same without you! I will miss you so much Uncle Bill. RIP. Condolences to the family.
Suzanne Bruey
December 28, 2020
RIP Billy. You fought a valiant fight. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Sarah Douthat
December 28, 2020
I only knew Uncle Bill for a short time, but he always had a smile on his face, and gave the best hugs. Sending tons of hugs to his family and other friends. He will be sorely missed.
Susan Smeal
December 28, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Doreen Colby
December 28, 2020
You were a good friend I'm glad we met
Courtney Wompler
December 28, 2020
Bill was such a great guy. Loved working with him at Datum. Will be missed.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in William Colligan's name
Memorial Events
for William Colligan
Dec
31
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro1488 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Dec
31
Funeral service
4:00 p.m.
Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro1488 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Funeral services provided by:
Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro1488 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Colligan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
