William Cherry
Longtime McCallie School Athletic Director William "Bill" Cherry passed away on February 20, 2020.
William Lee Cherry was born on Feb. 2, 1942, in Nashville to Edna and Joseph Cherry. He was a 1960 graduate of Battle Ground Academy in Franklin and received a master's degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Bill started his teaching and coaching career at Battle Ground Academy where he was one of three coaches for the 1966 Tennessee State Champion Football team, at a time when there was only one high school state champion.
After five years at BGA he came to McCallie to coach and teach math. Three years later he became the director of athletics, serving for 35 years. A highlight of his 50 years at McCallie was being construction coordinator for the award-winning Student Activity Center. For a decade he was chairman of the TSSAA Division II Athletic Directors' Association and received their Distinguished Service Award.
Bill was a longtime member and elder at First Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary; daughters, McLean Elizabeth (Scott) Bayens of Carbondale, Co., and Rachel Lanier Cherry of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Liza) Rogers and William Bridger Bayens, and brother, Earl Cherry of Michigan. His infant son and namesake preceded him in death.
Visitation will be on Saturday, Feb. 29, at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home from 4-7 p.m.
A memorial service will be on Sunday, March 1, at McCallie School Chapel at 3 p.m. with a reception following in the Athletic Center.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to McCallie School in memory of Bill Cherry.
Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37412.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.