William Austin Wynot

William A. Wynot, 97, passed away peacefully Friday, May 8, 2020 at Alexian Village on Signal Mountain.

Bill was born in Braintree, Massachusetts on August 23, 1922. He grew up in Braintree and when he was 10 his father, who was a carpenter, built the family a cottage on the ocean. Spending his younger years on the coast of Massachusetts gave him a strong interest in ocean-going shipping. So after graduating from Braintree High, he attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston where he earned a degree in Marine Engineering.

During his college years, America had entered World War II. Less than a week out of college he joined the Merchant Marines and left on a Liberty Ship heading for England. He was assigned to the engine room and began his career as a lowly wiper, the guy who shines the handrails. One day out to sea there was an emergency and Bill took over the First Engineer’s watch. He participated in numerous missions in the Atlantic, traveling to Europe as well as the coast of North Africa. He then shipped to the US West Coast and completed missions in the Pacific. After the war ended Bill served on ships bringing troops home from Europe, as well as delivering Marshall Plan relief to several European countries. His objective was to obtain a Chief Engineer’s license, which he accomplished during his years of service.

After his military career Bill returned to work at the Boston Navy Yard. A short time later he was approached by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and invited to come interview with them in Chattanooga. Thus began another career path. Bill and his new bride Barbara moved to Tennessee, and before long purchased a home on Signal Mountain where he lived about 50 years.

His work for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) involved the thermodynamic performance of generating plants and plant equipment. During his free time he became an avid gardener up on Signal Mountain, purchasing an additional lot behind his home for an extensive garden. His love of the ocean and fond memories of New England frequently brought him back for visits with his family on Cape Cod, where he taught his nephews about fishing and boat safety.

After 27 years with TVA, they offered him an early retirement, and thus began the next phase of Bill’s long and varied life. He wanted to research his ancestry, so he traveled to Aberdeen Scotland to research his mother’s family. He researched his father’s ancestors as well, locating the family home in Nova Scotia. During retirement he devoted much time to genealogy, and compiled a family history which he shared with future generations.

After he was widowed, Bill met his life-partner Claire Hale, and they enjoyed over 20 years together. After a few years they moved to Alexian Village on Signal Mountain, where they spent over 16 years enjoying many activities there on the mountain, in addition to volunteering and traveling. He learned the German language while living at Alexian Village, and then traveled to Germany to continue researching his father’s ancestors who had moved from Germany to Nova Scotia. During their years together Bill and Claire participated in 25 Elder Hostels, traveled extensively and enjoyed visiting their families in Massachusetts and Florida.

Bill and Claire passed away within a few months of each other this winter, both enjoying long and exciting lives.

Bill was preceded in death by his life-partner Claire Hale, wife Barbara (Hequembourg) Wynot, Father Austin Wynot; Mother Marion (Giles) Wynot, Brother Harold (Edith) Wynot, Sister Eleanor (Winslow) Symmes, and his sister Rowena (William) Lammers.

He is survived by his nephew David Lammers of Cape Cod MA, nephew William (Rita) Lammers of Ocala FL, niece Barbara (Symmes) Gershey of Stanfordville NY, and niece Janet Wynot of Bent Mountain VA. He is also survived by grand nephews and grand nieces. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Residents Scholarship fund of Alexian Village, Signal Mountain.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.