William “Bill” Everett Queen

William “Bill” Everett Queen, 92, of Calhoun, TN, finally retired on September 8, 2022, with his loving wife, Bobbie, by his side.

Bill was born in Sweetwater, TN on May 30, 1930. He was the son of Herman and Vinia Queen and had 7 siblings. Bill loved to tell the story of how he only weighed two pounds at birth and that his family could put a cup on his head. He was a fighter from the beginning.

Bill was an U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. He was a member of the regimental combat team as a gunner of the 75mm caliber M20 recoilless rifle. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. and D.A.V. He enjoyed visiting the schools of his Grandchildren on Veteran’s Day and even taught several classes about his experiences as a veteran.

Bill was known by many names; Everett, Hun, Dad, uncle, Pops, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, and even Great-Great Grandpa. His greatest joy in life was his family and had 5 generations he got to tell jokes to and play in the yard with.

Bill married his loving wife, Bobbie Queen, in 1979. They were married for 43 wonderful years. She was his Barbie Doll and his sweetheart.

Bill was a master roofer by trade and owned Queen’s Roofing. However, he was a hard worker at heart. When he retired from roofing due to age he didn’t stop working. He held many jobs through the years until, at the age of 91, his health wouldn’t allow him to work. He still held out hope that he would be able to work again.

Bill loved to tell jokes and play with his grandkids. Hide-n-seek and water fights were just the beginning for the biggest kid in the family. He loved to tell stories to anyone who would listen and made many friends out of complete strangers. Bill had a smile that would light up any room and a joy for life that was contagious.

Proceeded in death by his parents, Herman Queen and Vinia Roberts Queen. Siblings Raymond Queen, Houston Queen, Ulyess Queen, Ruthe Woodby, Cora Anderson. Daughters Teresa Queen and Mary Callahan. Grandsons Jerry Smith and Everett Catlett.

Survivors’ wife Bobbie Renfro Queen; sons, David Queen (Barbara), Ernest Callahan Jr., and Michael Callahan (Laura Maggi); daughters, Debbie Mantooth (Ben), Brenda Quinton (Don), Cathleen Callahan, Tana Howe Callahan; brother Herman Queen (Mary Ellen); grandchildren, Tia Letner (Curtis), Colleta Ballentine (Norman), Colby Queen (Amanda), Coela Blackstock (Jamie), Loomis Smith (Angie), Sherry Dauwalter, Shain Smith (James McCollum), Jennifer Shupe (Gabe), Denny Catlett (Maranda), Joshua Catlett (Brandy), Ernest Callahan III (Allison), Michael J. Callahan, John Callahan, Maggie Callahan, William McGrinn (Catherine); special grandson John (Mikey) Griffin (Paige); thirty-five great-grandchildren; eleven great-great-grandchildren; special nephew, Kelly Lish, and many other nieces and nephews.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Calhoun First Baptist Church in Calhoun, TN on Wednesday, September 14th. Visitation will be held from 1:00-5:00 with the funeral following immediately at 5:00. Joseph Bynum will be officiating. 

 Burial at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors will be held on Thursday, September 15th promptly at 12:30. Pallbearers will be David Queen, Michael Callahan, John Callahan, Christopher Williams, Ernest Callahan III, and Colby Queen. Honorary Pallbearers will be Timothy Miranda, Gabe Shupe, Kohl Shupe, Patrick Mathers, Brendon Williams, Mikey Griffin, Loomis Smith III, Denny Catlett, and Josh Catlett.

Companion Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.