William Bigham

William "Bill" Franklin Bigham, Jr passed away October 5, 2023 following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was born April 29th 1939 to the late Bill Bigham Sr and Dean Ervin Bigham. Also affectionately known as Papaw and "Birdman", Bill served in the National Guard and spent the majority of his life as an Educator and Coach. He taught US History and coached both Football and Basketball in Bradley County and North Georgia. After retiring from teaching he spent his "free time" officiating high school football, basketball, and softball as well as playing competitive sports well into his 70s. If you were looking for Bill you could probably find him in a gym or with a ball in his hands.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joy Kinsey Bigham, brother and sister-in-law Tom and Gayle Bigham.

Survivors include his daughters Melissa (Jason) Reuter, Chrystie Bigham, Kelly (Scott) Blazon, Amy (Nicky) Norwood, and Jody Gatlin. Siblings Donna Carter, Rick (Diane) Bigham, Cheryl (Steve) Johnson. Grandchildren Rebecca (Tyler) Nelson, Emma Waddel, Kenli Young (Caleb), Amelia Reuter, Ellie Bigham, Cade and Knox Gatlin.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at Companion Funeral Home located at 2415 Georgetown Road from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM with services immediately following. A private family burial will take place the following day.

Special thank you to the staff at Brookdale Mt Vernon for their love and care over the last two years.