William Locklear
Chattanooga native William T. “Bill” Locklear, Jr., 83, died on April 17, 2015.
After an extended hospital stay, Bill spent his last few days at his home in Cleveland, being cared for by his wife, Katherine Marie Pickett Locklear and other family members.
Bill worked for Combustion Engineering, Inc. for over 35 years, then freelanced his exceptional welding skills and multiple certifications to repair equipment at nuclear power plants around the country. He loved welding, working on cars and most all sports, but his greatest love was for fast-pitch softball.
He, also, is survived by four children and their spouses: William T. Locklear, III and wife Bernie, of Atlanta, James R. Locklear and wife Jennifer of Decatur, GA, Deborah Locklear Buchanan and husband Ben of Marietta, GA, and Jody C. Locklear and wife Deborah Tudhope-Locklear of Port Townsend, WA. Mr. Locklear was blessed with 11 grandchildren: Kimberly Anne Locklear of Atlanta, Kyle Elizabeth Hartman (Andrew) of Atlanta, Jameson Phelan Locklear (Bethany) of Franklin, OH, Justin Christopher Locklear of Dallas, TX, Jedidiah Jones Locklear of Decatur, GA, Dane Frances Fisher (Dylan) , Chauncey William Locklear of Port Townsend, Dashiel Thomas Locklear of Port Townsend, Lyris Christian Locklear of Port Townsend, Taylor Estes Buchanan of Marietta, GA. And Mr. Locklear had one great-granddaughter: Aberdeen Wren Locklear of Franklin, OH. He is also survived by five sisters-in-law: Mary Ellen Locklear (Jerry) of Chattanooga and Brenda Locklear (Robert) of Cohutta, GA. Lora David of Charlottle, NC., Verta Rollins of Whitwell, TN. and Evva Cooper of Brentwood, TN. He had many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 19, from 4-8 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home-North Chapel and on Monday, from 12–2:30 p.m.
Funeral services for William will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20, in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Allan Lovelace officiating.
Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s name to Waterville Baptist Church, Building Fund, 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com