William "Bill" Markham, 76, passed peacefully into heaven, surrounded by his loving family, early Monday, April 15, at his home in Decatur, Alabama.
Bill, a veteran of the United States Navy, was born in 1942 in Huntsville, Alabama and was preceded in death by his parents, Odis and Estelle Markham.
Bill is survived by his wife of 35 years, Gail Rodgers Markham, five children: Mandy Markham Johnson (Phillip), Tuscaloosa, Al.; Marianne Markham, Moody, Al.; Matthew J. Markham (Amanda), Murfreesboro, Tn.; Stephanie Gamble Greenlee, Chattanooga; and Veronica Gamble Pettus (Patrick), Hartselle, Alabama; and 14 grandchildren.
Bill was the evening news anchor and Crimestoppers reporter for WRCB-TV in Chattanooga, from 1983 until his retirement in 2009. He began his career in radio in his home state of Alabama and later switched to television - reporting and anchoring in Montgomery, Al.; Huntsville, Al.; Paducah, Ky.; West Palm Beach, Fl.; Baltimore, Md.; and Nashville.
In Chattanooga, Bill was very active in the annual Pat Boone Bethel Bible Village golf tournament and the Share Your Christmas food drive for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
A memorial service will be Wednesday, April 17, at 2 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Nathan White officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 17, from 1-2 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be on Friday, April 26, at 2 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery, with Pastor Tony Walliser, Cindy Sexton, and David Carroll paying tribute to Bill's life and career.
Bill waged a brave battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. With no known cause or cure, ALS challenges the human spirit and tests the courage of everyone touched by this devastating disease. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the ALS Association - Tennessee chapter or to Bethel Bible Village in Chattanooga.
Visit www.billmarkhamlegacy.com to leave a message, view family photos and/or donate to the ALS Association in Bill's honor.
Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist - East Chapel. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.