William Jolly Amonette (Bill), age 85, passed away on November 2, 2018. Mr. Amonette was born April 18, 1933 in Carthage, Tennessee to James Douglas and Ersye Merryman Amonette who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Jack Wilson Amonette, step-father, W.V. Wilkerson, and son-in-law, George W. Gregory.
A graduate of Smith County High School, Bill attended Tennessee Tech and received a Bachelor of Music degree from George Peabody College. He studied trumpet with Renold Schilke of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Bill began his teaching career in Lincoln County, Tennessee. He later entered the retail music business in Columbia, Tennessee; at the time of his retirement he was owner of Hewgley’s Music Store in Nashville.
Bill was a lifetime member of Local 257, American Federation of Musicians, and played with many local bands and orchestras. For many years he was a member of The Establishment Orchestra. A member for over 52 years of Donelson Heights United Methodist Church, Bill served in a variety of capacities including choir director, teacher, trustee, lay leader and volunteer for the Room in the Inn program. After retirement, he served as a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery.
Mr. Amonette is survived by his wife of over 61 years, Margery P’Pool Amonette; daughters, Jean Thompson (Carey); Lydia Bursi (Mike); son, William Douglas Amonette; granddaughter, Emma Bursi (Amy); grandson, John Bursi (Kylie Myers); step-granddaughter, Kate Brison (Todd). He is also survived by nephew, Jason Amonette (Harriet); sister-in-law, Camilla Amonette; sister-in-law, Lydia Bradford (William M.), nephew, Thomas Bradford and niece, Susan Bradford. He is survived by one aunt, Frances Amonette Brown, and numerous cousins.
Visitation will be at Hibbett & Hailey Funeral Home on Sunday, November 4, 2018 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm.
The Celebration of Life will be at Donelson Heights United Methodist Church on Monday, November 5, 2018 at 11:00 am with Rev. Regina Hall officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Interment to follow at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
Honorary pallbearers are members of the Fellowship Class and Chancel Choir of Donelson Heights United Methodist Church.
Memorials may be made to W.O. Smith Music School, Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music or Donelson Heights United Methodist Church.
