On November 6, 2022, William Terry “Bill” Steelman, beloved father and grandfather, passed away at age 94 at Lifecare Center of Red Bank in Chattanooga, TN.
Bill was born December 17, 1927, in Fayetteville, TN to the late Terry Johnston and James Boone Steelman. He grew up in Fayetteville and Mulberry where his family had a farm. Bill graduated from Central High School in 1946 and then attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. When he was 19 he married the love of his life, Marie Copeland, and they were happily married for 71 years until her death in 2019. They resided most of their years together in Nashville.
For most of his life, Bill was a sales manager. He did very well in this role due to his outgoing personality and great sense of humor. Bill also loved to play golf and travel. He and Marie traveled to all 50 states, Canada, and Ireland. He enjoyed watching old movies about cowboys, especially ones with John Wayne in them. Most of all, Bill cherished his family.
In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Edward “Buddy” Steelman; his two sisters, Mary Boone Steelman, and Katherine Mullins; and grandchildren, Will Mack and Vanessa Mack.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Susan (Gerald) Mack; sons, Edward (Brenda) Steelman, and James “Jim” (Patti) Steelman; he also leaves three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Graveside service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at Booneville Cemetery with Bro. Jack Jean officiating. There will be no visitation with the family prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of Bill.
All arrangements have been entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home, 213 Market Street East, Fayetteville, TN. Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of William Terry Steelman.