William B. Whitson

Franklin, TN

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 29th, 2019 at age 90. A dedicated career public servant devoted to his family and friends, he made significant and lasting contributions for the citizens of Nashville and Tennessee during 50 years of distinguished public service.

Bill was born in Hickman County, Tennessee. His family moved to Nashville in 1936 where he lived in the Sylvan Park neighborhood. He attended Sylvan Park Elementary and graduated from Cohn High School in 1948. He earned his undergraduate degree from MTSU and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Tennessee.

He served in positions of great trust and responsibility including Nashville’s Director of Purchasing and Director of Metro Water Services under Mayors Beverly Briley and Richard Fulton. He later served on Governor Ned Ray McWherter’s cabinet as the Commissioner of General Services. He was also actively involved in numerous civic and public service organizations throughout his career including the Metro Transit Authority, Tennessee Bicentennial Commission, Tennessee Conservation Commission, National Association of Purchasing Managers and National President of the National Institute of Governmental Procurements where he received the Albert H. Hall Memorial Award. He was also actively involved in the South Nashville and Brentwood Kiwanis Clubs and a member of the Franklin Elks Lodge.

Preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Montgomery Whitson and Nettie Black Whitson, brothers Dr. Montgomery Whitson and Robert Whitson and sisters Margaret (Whitson) Hall and Frances (Whitson) Wilson. Also preceded in death by Faye Whitson, his wife of 67 years. Survived by sons and daughters-in-law Joe and Beth Whitson, Colonel (Ret.) Sam and Pam Whitson and Kevin and Stacy Whitson; grandchildren Brad (Emily) Whitson, Brian (Mandy) Whitson, Paula (Matt) Vann, Captain Ryan (Sally) Whitson and Will (Brooke) Whitson; and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at from 4pm to 8pm on Thursday, December 19th at the Woodlawn Funeral Home in Nashville. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

A special thanks to the Fountains of Franklin staff for their care and support over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association for the love and memory of his wife, Faye, or the charity of your choice.