Billy’s journey began on December 20, 1942, in Memphis TN. He graduated from Treadwell High School and attended Memphis State University. He married the love of his life Martha Frances Diffee at Grimes Methodist Church on June 3rd, 1962. Billy attended Evangel Church with his wife Martha.
Billy started his career as a draftsman with W.W. Bond Architect. He obtained his architectural license and worked for various companies. He eventually started his own company, “Architecture by Vopel”. He developed and designed many Churches and Family Life Centers in and around the Memphis area.
Billy was an avid fisherman and had other interests such as hunting, gardening, and bird watching, as well as being an all-around handy man to his extended family.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents William H. Vopel Sr. and Mary D. Wise, and his sisters June Etheridge of Memphis, and Bernice Huddleston of MS.
Billy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Martha F. Vopel of Memphis, a daughter Terri Raley (Vann) of Collierville, a son William H. Vopel III (Debbie) of Arlington, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
The family requests donations be given to the Memphis Chapter of the American Heart Association
American Heart Association – Memphis
5384 Poplar Avenue
Suite 100
Memphis, TN 38119
901-383-5400
www.heart.org
A visitation for William will be held Monday, January 8, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A funeral service will occur Monday, January 8, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A committal service will occur Monday, January 8, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 3700 N Germantown Pkwy, Bartlett, TN 38133.
