William E. Rayburn age 91 of Chattanooga passed away Saturday, Sept 25, 2021. He was a career military man having served in both the Navy and the Air Force. He was a Korean War Veteran and served on the U.S.S Diphda and the Battleship New Jersey during his tenure in the Navy. He was a Master Sergeant when he retired from the Air Force and worked on various Jets as part of his job responsibilities. After his retirement from the military, he and his family returned to Chattanooga where he worked as a safety inspector at the TNT plant for several years. As time passed, he began working for himself doing home & business remodeling. He did remodeling work until he retired.
Bill was an avid fisherman and was a member of the Lookout Valley Bass Masters fishing club for several years. It is here that he made several good friends and lifelong fishing partners. He learned his love of fishing from his Father as a young boy and that passion remained with him even in his final days.
Bill led and taught by example. He taught his family and showed his children how to express a love of family, friends, animals and nature.
He was a strong believer in the value of education and made it a priority to ensure that both of his children went to college. He also supported and encouraged his wife, Jane Lee when she decided to go back to college to complete her degree as well.
He was a member of Lookout Valley Baptist Church as well as a Free Mason. He was very proud to have served his country and believed strongly in protecting Democracy and the rights and privileges thereof.
William was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Earl Rayburn; mother, Maybelle Trotter; sister, Evelyn Skelton; wife Jane Lee Rayburn; son-in-law, Kenneth Thiel.
Those left to treasure his memories are his children, Julia Thiel of Soddy Daisy and Bill (Donna) Rayburn of Nashville; siblings, Peggy Loveless and Mike Trotter both of Chattanooga; granddaughter, Julia Taylor Rayburn.
Family will receive friends 4PM-7PM, Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Chattanooga Memorial Funeral Home. A Memorial service with Military Honors will be held on 1030AM, EST, Friday, October 8, 2021 at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, TN. Time of the Memorial service is pending notification from the National Cemetery.
Share memories, photos and condolences at www.chattanoogamemorialfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by Chattanooga Memorial Funeral Home 423-591-7777.
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