Billy "Bill" Charles Vaden

Billy “Bill” Charles Vaden knew a lot about living and more than a little about love.  In his 83 years from November 10, 1939 until August 5, 2023, he was a son, brother, nephew, cousin, teammate, veteran, spouse, father, colleague, uncle, leader, grandfather, great-grandfather, stepfather, and always a friend.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Opal and Sanford Vaden; wife of 40 years and mother of his children, Beverly Ann Owen; and brothers, Ronnie Vaden and Gary Vaden.  He is survived by his wife of almost 20 years, Janet Gregory Vaden; devoted children, Jennifer Ann Watson (Steve), Curtis Wayne Vaden (Angela), Angela Jane Treen (Philip); stepdaughters, Sheila Mounts (Ronnie), Debbie McCormick (Craig); 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and countless friends.

Years of his educational and professional activities would be marked by Carrollton High School success (lettered in four sports and class Vice President), courageous service in the Navy (on the USS Balao submarine in Guantanamo Bay for the Cuban Ship Blockage), and decades of professional service (Xerox for 35 years) in Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee ultimately as the Southern Region Quality Manager.

But a timeline would miss stories of his college fund decision, saving fishing poles, watching Home Alone with his brothers, asparagus references, golf analogies, package talk, and 30 years of family beach trips to home away from home, Navarre, Florida.  The life and times of Bill Vaden are filled with the historic and the everyday, the eventful and the mundane.  He created connections, memories, and legacies that are all attributable to him, his heart, and dreams for his life and for the lives of his family. 

Bill was a man of commitment and conviction who has left us with many good memories and examples to follow.  With his passing those who love him most say, “until we meet again and thank you,” Bill, Dad, Pap-pa, and Partner.  We will remember him and his influence as we make decisions, face adversity, and delight in the many life events and joys we wish he could experience with us.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with a Memorial Service being held immediately following visitation at Hendersonville Memory Gardens, Funeral Home, and Cremation Center with Dr. Bruce Chesser officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation, American Cancer Society, or Both Hands.