William Albert Eakin

Dr. William “Bill” Eakin, age 87, a lifelong resident of Chattanooga died on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 in a local hospital surrounded by his family. Dr. Eakin was the son of the late Albert and Etta Eakin. He was preceded in death by a sister Elizabeth Young. He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. He was a graduate of City High School, University of Tennessee Knoxville Pre Dental School and the University of Tennessee Memphis School of Dentistry. He was a member of Psi Omega Fraternity. He was a member of Brainerd United Methodist Church and for over 45 years he sang in the church choir. He began the first dental practice in East Ridge in 1950 where he practiced for 38 years. He was very active in the American Dental Association. He was a founding member of the East Ridge Kiwanis Club.

Survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joyce Eakin; two daughters, Donna Massari and husband Vic; Cathy Steele and her husband Boyd all of Chattanooga; two sons, Bill Eakin Jr. of Chattanooga and Bruce Eakin and his wife Renda of Hixson, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Katie Olsen and husband Nick, Ashley Mauldin and husband Brian, Christopher Eakin Jones, Brittney Simmons and husband Taylor.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 AM at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Dr. Dennis Flaugher officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 519 East 4th Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404 and to Brainerd United Methodist Church, 4315 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37411. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412.