William Frank Countiss

Passed away Wednesday August 9th at home with his family by his side. Years of health issues and heart failure took his life. He was born and raised in Knoxville. He graduated in the last class of 1951 from Knoxville School. After graduation, he left for a 2 year tour of the US Navy and then came back to Knoxville and graduated from the University of Tennessee where he received his Bachelors of Science. He held positions with IBM in New Orleans, Atlanta, and Memphis. He returned to Knox and joined the Oak Ridge Association (ORAU) as senior Vice President of Administration and retired after 32 years. After Retirement, he and his wife Jody traveled to Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. The most fun times were spent at their condo in Hilton Head Island golfing, biking, and having family and friends to visit. He is preceded in death by parents Ernest and Louise Countiss, and sister Harriett Proffit. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jody Countiss; his son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Laura Countiss of Phoenix, AZ; his daughter and son-in-law, Heather and D Smith of Knoxville, TN; his grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Big Daddy”, Maddie and Barrett Smith of Knoxville, TN; his step granddaughter and great grandson, Kristin Desmarais and Adrian of Phoenix, AZ; his sister Virginia Pitts of Knoxville, TN; and brother David Countiss of Knoxville, TN. Bill was a long time member of West Hills Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. A celebration of life will be Wednesday, August 16 at 4:00 pm at West Hills Baptist Church with Reverend Drew Prince officiating, visitation to follow. Burial will be Thursday, August 17 private with family at Berry Highland West. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to West Hills Baptist Church, 409 N. Winston Road. Knoxville, TN 37909.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BerryHighlandWest.com for the Countiss family.