🎶 Music & Teaching
Bill’s first love was music. From his days as a gifted saxophone student, to a five-decade career as a music educator, he devoted his life to teaching, performing, and inspiring others. He loved:

Leading school bands and jazz ensembles that earned national recognition.

Playing saxophone with The Rhythm Hounds for nearly 30 years.

Performing with the Memphis Symphony and alumni bands.

Sharing his talents on guitar with family and friends.
Even in retirement, he found joy in private lessons, helping young musicians grow.

🌊 Life on the Water
Living on Horseshoe Lake gave Bill one of his greatest joys—waterskiing. He loved:

Barefoot skiing, a skill for which he was widely known.

Teaching others through the Horseshoe Planters Ski School.

Spending countless hours skiing, kneeboarding, and wakeboarding with family, friends, and students.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Friendship
Bill loved being a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He cherished:

Supporting his wife, Barbara, for 56 years of marriage.

Encouraging his children and grandchildren in their pursuits, from music lessons to dance recitals.

Opening his home to friends and always lending an ear or words of wisdom.

✈️ Adventure & Travel
Bill had a love for exploring new places and experiences. Some of his favorites included:

Traveling to Ireland, Hawaii, the Cayman Islands, and Captiva Island.

Journeying across the U.S. on Amtrak’s California Zephyr and Empire Builder.

Weekend trips to cheer on the Memphis Tigers.

Building a retreat home in North Carolina with his own hands—an adventure in itself.

🐕 Simple Joys
Bill found happiness in life’s everyday moments:

Storytelling and joking with family and friends.

Time with his beloved labradors: Secret, Sasha, Cosmo, and Ivy.

Dreaming about new adventures and sharing laughter with loved ones