William "Bill" Boyette Thetford

William Boyette Thetford of Nashville, Tennessee passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on September 6, 2025. He had celebrated his 90th birthday with a memorable family celebration just a few days prior to his passing.

He was born on September 1, 1935, in Kenton, Tennessee. Bill lived a life marked by service, leadership, family and a deep devotion to his faith.

He attended the University of Tennessee Dental School. After serving 2 years as a captain in the Air Force Dental Corp at Maxwell Air Force base he then entered and orthodontic program in Nashville. He went on to practice his profession for 46 years.

He was past president of both the Nashville Dental Association and the Tennessee Souther Association of Orthodontics. He held many other dental organization leadership roles. He was also, past president of Green Hills Civitan Club and member of Green Hills Rotary. He was an avid supporter of Lipscomb University and served on the Development Counsel for both Lipscomb University and University of Tennessee at Martin.

Bill was a faithful Christian and served as a deacon at West End Church of Christ, an elder at Woodmont Hills Church of Christ and a member of Woodmont Christian Church.

He had a zest for life and a wide range of interests. He loved sports- especially cheering on his UT Vols football team. He found joy in fishing, hunting, tennis, golfing, card games and skiing. He also had a great love for travel, both domestic and abroad and sharing his experiences with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Martha Overton Thetford: His parents, Leon and Marie King Thetford.

Bill is survived by his sons, John M. Thetford, R. Keith (Kim) Thetford; Grandchildren:

Sarah Catherine Teixeira, Andrew (Madison) Thetford, John O. (Sarah) Thetford, Sallie Thetford, Adam (Ashley) Thetford, Richy Teixeira: Great Grandchildren: Sofia Thetford, Bobby Thetford, Avery Thetford, Willa Teixeira, Heath Teixeira.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to be made in his memory to Interfaith Dental Clinic, 600 Hill Avenue, Ste. 101, Nashville, TN 37210 or www.interfaithdental.com where Bill was a Founding Director.