Mr. William E. “Bill” Collette, age 90, Limestone, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at Durham-Hensley Nursing Home.
Mr. Collette was born in Washington County.
He was a United States Army Veteran having served during the Korean War. He received three bronze medals. He provided service to his community through the Limestone Ruritan Club, where he was a founding member, and the Volunteer Fire Department.
Mr. Collette was a member of Limestone United Methodist Church. He loved to help and work in his community. He loved to fish and pick blackberries. He drove a gas tanker, sold eggs and was self-employed for 35 years running a bulldozer “Dozer Bill”.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Nancy Collette, Limestone; daughter, Teresa Gibson (Allen), Limestone; three grandchildren, Jessica Gouge (Joshua), Joshua Gibson, Jennifer Tate (Wes); six great-grandchildren, one step-daughter, Rhonda Watts (Buck); two stepsons, John McGee (Donna) and Jerry McGee (Rita); five step-grandchildren, Heather Thomas, Jodi Douglas, Lindsay Greenway, Brandi Willis and Jeremy McGee; and ten step-great-grandchildren.
He was a wonderful stepdad, “dad, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure…You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure…”
The family would like to extend a special thank you Durham-Hensley Nursing Home, Amedisys Hospice of Greeneville and Mountain Home Veteran Administration for their care.
Graveside services will be conducted 1:00 pm Friday, March 8, 2019 at Mountain Home National Cemetery with Rev. Dan Theiben officiating.
Pallbearers will be Men of Limestone United Methodist Church. Honorary pallbearers will be CW2Robert Douglas, II, Bill Graybeal, Tommy Humble and Archie Jones.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Limestone United Methodist Church for Mary’s Meals 191 Opie Arnold Rd. Limestone, TN 37681.