Mr. William Bertram Pemberton, age 85, of Nashville, Tennessee passed away Sunday, December 16, 2007: Transportation expert, veteran, husband, grandfather. Bill was born on January 3, 1922 in Sunbright, Tennessee, the first of nine children born to Caywood and Robbie Vail Bertram Pemberton. They lived in Junction City until Bill was 7 and then moved to Rockwood, where he obtained his high school diploma. He began work with the Southern Railroad as yardmaster in charge of the delivery of the supplies to the site that became Oak Ridge. He served in World War II in the US Army Air Corps. Following college at Tennessee Wesleyan and the University of Tennessee, he began his professional career in 1947. He served the citizens of his state by ensuring the safety of train and truck transportation. After 37+ years, Bill retired from the Tennessee Public Service Commission, Transportation Division, with the official title of “Director”, but always known by the honorific “Chief”. He enjoyed his twenty years of retirement traveling with his best friend and wife, Carolyn, keeping up with his grandchildren, and keeping a constant eye on his lifelong pursuits, sports and politics. Memberships include: National Conference of Transportation Specialists (President, 1982); Democrat Party; American Legion Post 50; 32nd Degree Freemason; Crievewood United Methodist Church and Rockwood First Presbyterian Church. Predeceased by parents and brothers Bert and James Pemberton of Rockwood; Jack Pemberton of Morristown, Tennessee.
Survivors include:
Wife of 58 years Martha Carolyn Hutsell, previously of Niota, Tennessee
Son William B. Pemberton II (Martha) of Madison, Mississippi
Grandchildren Jennifer L. Maddux (Jared) of Coral Gables, Florida
William B. Pemberton III of Memphis
Charles W. Pemberton of Memphis
J. Matthew Wray of Ridgeland, Mississippi
Brothers C.W. Pemberton of Homestead, Tennessee
Thomas P. Pemberton of Rockwood
John Pemberton of Rockwood
Sisters Peggy Edwards (Max) of Knoxville
Ann Griesinger of Lexington, Kentucky
Nineteen nieces and nephews
Funeral service will be conducted Tuesday at 12:00 noon from the First Presbyterian Church in Rockwood. Interment will follow in the Roane Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Church. A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 am from the Crievewood United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Church.
Memorials may be made to Tennessee Wesleyan College, Alive Hospice of Nashville, Crievewood United Methodist Church, or the First Presbyterian Church of Rockwood.
Guestbook Entries
I worked with Bill at the old PSC. Bill was a jovial person, very dedicated and an all around good person. We used to kid him about filing so many "show cause" orders against the railroads. Bill was a good friend and it was a genuine pleasure working with him. I am sorry we lost contact after I left the PSC. My sincerest condolences to his wife and family. May God bless all of you.
Tom Eldridge (Nashville, TN)
I worked at the PSC with the "Chief" and he was so very nice and fun to be around. We were all "family" at the PSC. Bill will be missed by all. My prayers are with the Pemberton family at this difficult time.
Marcia (Givens) Sorrell (Murfreesboro, TN)
Calvin & Angela Coleman & Boys (Lebanon, TN)
So sorry to hear about Bill. Our prayers are with you and your family. I would love to talk to you later, OK?
Love and prayers,
Betty & Harvey Harris (Goodlettsville, TN)
I worked as secretary to the Chief for many years in the Transportation Division. I truly loved and respected this man and adored his sweet wife, Carolyn. He will truly be missed by all that knew him. My deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Judy Shipley (Murfreesboro, TN)
Dear Carolyn, I was so sorry to read about Bill in the DPA. My deepest sympathy goes to your and your family. It was so good to get to see you last summer at our 61st High School Reunion. God bless you.
Phyllis Toomey Fellows (Scottsdale, AZ)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. That picture of Bill by your TV, where he's on some kind of boat,and that big smile and pipe of his, is just one of the great things I will always remember about him. Those die-hard Democrats are going to miss him.
Rose & Jack Willeford (Nashville, TN)
Carolyn and family, I am saddened to learn of Bill's passing. He will be missed by many. He was a great man and made many contributions to the community. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. With me being out of town, I will miss his funeral. God Bless your family.
Jack & Jane Wiseman (Rockwood, TN)
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