William Bidwell

William "Bill" Ross Bidwell, 74, of Knoxville, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2017, of complications with cancer and heart disease. He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 52 years, Brenda Bidwell; daughter, Bridget Correll Waller and her husband Frank; son, Billy Bidwell and his wife Jackie; granddaughters Cassie and Lydia Correll; sisters, Leneve Mason, Elizabeth Galyon and Carolyn Henson; brother Calvert Bidwell; and many other family members and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Bidwell and father, Edward Bidwell; sisters, Nevada Akridge, Eula Barnett and Remell Sexton; and brother Bob Bidwell. Bill lived an exceptional life devoted to service to his country, his community, his family and God. Bill was a devoted and active part of the First Church of God.

Bill served 36 years in the Tennessee Army National Guard and retired in 2002 as the Command Sergeant Major with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Knoxville, TN. During his military service, Bill was a charter member of the 278th Retirees Association and served as President and Treasurer during his tenure. Bill retired from his work at the Y-12, X-10 and K-25 Oak Ridge facilities in 2002, after more than 30 years of service. He was a member of the IBEW Local 270. He was a longtime active member and Past Master of Chota Lodge #253 F&AM, and former Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Knoxville Chapter #69.

Family and friends will be received at the First Church of God, 6708 Westland Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919 on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. A Masonic Service will be held at 7pm, followed by a celebration of Bill's life with Dr. Norman Patton and Dr. Lee Wallace officiating. The Tennessee Army National Guard will conduct a military service on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Chota Lodge Cemetery (Concord Masonic), 11019 2nd Street, Knoxville, TN 37934. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the First Church of God, 6708 Westland Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919. Arrangements under the direction of Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel. www.mynattfh.com.