William Thomas Wall peacefully passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family and pet, Sugarbell, on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 at the age of 94. Born in Campbellsville, Giles County on May 6th, 1930 to the late Frances McCaskell Wall and Willie Ellwood Wall. His early life was helping out on his family farm with his sister Frances Wall Derryberry before moving to Mount Pleasant where he soon learned to shoeshine at Loveless Barber Shop and was then trained in other barber specialties. After working at the Barber Shop he began helping to driving the Polly Bus with his father, Willie Wall. Soon in 1951, he enlisted into the United States Army/Air Force.
After enlisting he was sent to Wichita Falls, Texas, and traveled the world by going to Langley Airforce Base in Virginia, Sculthorpe Raf Station in England, Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, Tripley Air Force Base in North Africa, spent two years in Hawaii, Johnston Island, Oxynard, California, and finally retired at the Tindale Air Force base in Florida in 1971. After retiring he moved back to Columbia Tennessee to live with his family where he worked at Columbia State as the athletic bus driver, the US post office, Shippers, and then retired again from Piggly Wiggly in 2013 at 81.
Among all of his adventures William Wall found time to fall in love with Narvie R. Wall and had two daughters Mary J. Anderson and Rachel G. (Jason) Lyles. He was also blessed with two grandchildren: Jaycie and Rhett Lyles whom he spent all of his free time.
William Wall enjoyed collecting wheat pennies, coins, and knives from around the world, watching the UT Vols, Tennessee Titans, and KC Chiefs play and NASCAR, going to the Senior Citizens to play Bingo, drinking coffee, and talking the day away. Besides being devoted to his family, Mr. Wall devoted his life to God at the Zion Presbyterian Church for 59 years and became the Emeritus Deacon. He also became a Master Mason and Tiler Emeritus at Lodge #31 F&AM here in Columbia for 55 years.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Pastor Chad Middlebrooks officiating. The family will visit with friends Sunday, November 24, from 1:00 PM till 3:00 PM followed by a Masonic Service and military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19.
He is survived by his daughter, Rachel G. (Jason) Lyles; grandchildren, Jaycie Lyles and Rhett Lyles; and niece, Jewell-Ann Copeland.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Narvie R. Wall; daughter, Mary J. Anderson; and sister Francis Wall Derryberry.
Honorary pallbearers will include the Elders and Deacons of Zion Presbyterian Church, members of the Maury County Senior Center, and members of Columbia Lodge #31.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Vanderbilt Heart, the staff of IRIS Palliative Care, Aveanna Hospice, NHC Home Care, and the prayers from the members of Zion Presbyterian Church.
