He was a longtime member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church.
Bill met the love of his life, Barbara, in Kansas City, MO. while both were attending college. They lived in Philadelphia, PA and New Jersey before settling in Hixson, TN. He was employed by Chattem, Inc. for 30 years. He was an active Boy Scout troop leader, and enjoyed gardening, woodworking, cooking, and traveling with family and friends. An avid reader and science fiction fan, he was a fixture at local science fiction conventions Chattacon and Libertycon.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Barbara Jean Durkin, his father Thomas Lawrence Durkin, mother Frances Theresa Durkin, and brother Tommy Durkin.
Left to cherish his memory are his son William T. Durkin (Gina) of Hixson, daughter Nikki Gourley (Paul) of Alexandria, VA, sister Fran Evans of Delaware, sister Betty Wagner (Paul) of Florida, as well as countless friends and extended family. He will live on in all those who knew and loved him.
He leaves a legacy of wisdom, generosity, kindness and unwavering love for his family and friends.
Public viewing will begin at 11 AM on Saturday September 7 at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel, followed by a funeral service at 1 PM and interment at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
