William "Bill" Gray Karnes, Sr.
William "Bill" Gray Karnes, Sr., 93, originally from Nashville, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Charter Senior Living of Chattanooga.
Bill was born to the late Reuben Jack Karnes, Sr. and Mable Louisa Gray Karnes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Sikes Karnes, and his brother, Reuben Jack Karnes, Jr.
Bill retired as a pastor in the Presbyterian Church in 1993, having served churches in South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, including several years at First Presbyterian, Soddy Daisy. Before pursuing vocational ministry, Bill spent several years as a leader with the Boy Scouts of America and two years in the Army during the Korean War. He was a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, and Columbia Theological Seminary, Atlanta.
Bill was a committed and loving husband, father, and pastor. He and Helen created a loving, stable home for their four children. Throughout his life, Bill enjoyed his family; pastoring his congregations; working puzzles; reading theology, history, historical fiction, and spy novels; and watching Fox News.
Bill is survived by his daughters Lisa Garrison of Soddy Daisy, Beth (Danny) Wiggins of Enterprise, AL; his sons William Gray Jr. (Angela) Karnes of Soddy Daisy, David (Denise) Karnes of Soddy Daisy. His grandchildren Michael (Katie) Garrison, Angela (Stephen) Scarbrough, Jonathan Paul (Stephanie) Garrison, Zachary Wiggins, Jessie (Robert) Mock, Lauren Karnes, Katy (Hayden) Croxall, Will Karnes III, Alyssa Karnes, Emily (Noah) Gray, Allie (Davis) Beauchamp, Emma Karnes; and 13 great-grandchildren. Additionally, Bill is survived by nephew Lloyd (Susan) Karnes of Overland Park, KS, and niece Lynda Breegle of Panama City, FL.
The family would like to thank the amazing caregivers at Charter Assisted Living, as well as Hearth Hospice.
The family will receive friends at Williamson and Sons Funeral Home on Friday, Aug. 2, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Soddy Daisy First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m., with Dr. Danny Wiggins officiating.
Flowers accepted or donations may be made to Helen Sikes Karnes Scholarship Fund at King University, Bristol, Tn.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379.