William Francis Hosey

Hermitage, TN

Bill Hosey passed away peacefully at home, Thursday morning, May 4, 2017 at the age of 80. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Ann Hite Hosey, and their 4 children, Annie Hosey of Hermitage, Mary Hosey Wagner (Richard) of Old Hickory , Harry Hosey(Deborah) of Atlanta, and Stephen Hosey (Kathy) of Santa Barbara, CA. , and 5 grandchildren; Cameron, Kellen, and Hayley Wagner of Old Hickory, and Matthew and Alex Hosey of Atlanta. Bill was the 2nd of 14 children and is survived by brothers, Harry, Hosey Jr.,(Vickie), Charles Hosey (Melissa) , John Hosey (Debbie), and Kevin Hosey (Yvonne); and sisters, Sharon Seckman (John), Colleen Geismann (John), Ellen Champlin (Tim), Wanda Baker, and Maureen Williams (Brian).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Hosey, Sr., Mary Tuohy Hosey, and Alice Brittan Hosey; and his brothers, Patrick Hosey (Nancy), Larry Hosey (Becky), and Michael Hosey (Char) and Sister Barbara Joern (Bill).

Bill was born July 4, 1936 at the Newell Clinic in Chattanooga, TN. His Mother Mary went into labor after riding the Incline Railway to the top of Lookout Mountain. They made it down just in time for him to be the 2nd baby born at the clinic.

A 1954 Graduate of Father Ryan High School, Bill received his undergraduate degree from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa. Bill married his bride Ann Mariese on June 17, 1961. He then took a job with Hallmark Cards in Orlando Florida. In 1965 he returned with his family to Old Hickory to work for his family’s business, Old Hickory Mfg. During his years with Old Hickory Manufacturing, Bill invented and distributed several products used throughout the dry cleaning industry. He retired as President of the company in 2007 and took his dream job as an historical interpreter at The Hermitage. He loved his co-workers and meeting guests from all over the world. He especially enjoyed the groups of school children that visited the Hermitage. He was a member of the Donelson-Hermitage Exchange Club, Served on the Board of Trustees for Father Ryan High School and was a communicant of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Donelson.

Bill enjoyed playing along with Wheel of Fortune and never missed watching a Nashville Predators Hockey game. Bill was a “people person”. He was happiest when he was spending time with family and friends. He always had an attitude of gratitude which was the secret to his happiness. He always put others before himself. He lived his faith and was an example to all who knew him. His favorite prayer was: “May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace, whether you eat or drink or whatever else you do, do it all for the glory of God.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Holy Rosary Academy Tuition Assistance Program, Father Ryan Annual Fund, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

The family will be receiving visitors at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Donelson, Thursday, May 11, from 4 to 8pm, and Friday, May 12, from 11:00am to 12:00pm followed by a Memorial Mass. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery.