William Gilbert Jacob Jr.

William "Willie" Gilbert Jacob, 96, of Goodlettsville, TN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at his home on March 31, 2025. He was born on January 31, 1929, in Nashville, TN, he was the eldest of seven children to the late Margaret and William G Jacob Sr.

A proud patriot, Willie enlisted in the Air Force with his brother in law & best friend of 85 years, Roy Mitchell, dedicating 30 years of service to his country as a member of the Air Force and the Air National Guard earning the rank of Senior Master Sargent. In addition to his military career, he worked for the United States Postal Service, retiring after 25 years of dedicated service. Even in retirement, his strong work ethic and commitment to his community led him to the Davidson County Clerk’s Office, where he served as Deputy Clerk part-time for 20 years, creating more friendships.

Willie was a member of Hendersonville Church of Christ. He was a 32nd degree Shriner, and a member of the American Legion, VFW, NAPS, Beam Bottle club, among others. His kindness, patience, and wisdom touched the lives of everyone he met. His sharp wit could bring a room to laughter, and his warm spirit made him a beloved presence wherever he went.

An avid sports fan, he followed the Atlanta Braves, UT and Vandy football, basketball and baseball. His deep love for children along with sports, led him to spend many years watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren in sports. The grandchildren called him “Big Daddy” which led him to be known as Big Daddy to not only their friends, but to everyone who met him.

Willie also had a passion for travel, especially camping. In 1967 he loaded his family in a pickup truck with a small topper, and embarked on a month long camping trip across America to Alaska creating countless memories along the way. His journeys took him to all corners of the U.S., including Hawaii & Alaska, and also to Europe and the Caribbean. Willie looked forward to his annual trips to Mardi Gras with family and friends. Being a 32nd degree Shriner, he also took many road trips with their travel club, continually making new friends along the way.

Willie is survived by his loving daughters, Sandra Oldham and Tammy (Robin) Frost; his five grandchildren Courtney (Patrick) Dorris, Jacob (Miranda) Oldham, Stef Oldham, Ashley (Adam) Bogle, Alissa (Stetson) Dickerson; and his ten great-grandchildren, Delaney & Easton Dorris, Atley, Henley & Hutton Oldham, Scarlett, Atticus & Olive Dickerson, Abram Bogle & Lorelei Bogle; and sisters, Ann Kosloff, Frances Shelton & Linda Runge. He leaves behind many cherished friends, nieces & nephews, two friends and brothers in law, Roy Mitchell and B.R. (Linda) Hall, and his special friend and neighbor, Helen Sisco.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 60 years, Jo Ann Hall Jacob, son-in-law Gary Oldham, his brother Harold Jacob, and two sisters, Jean Windsor & Joyce Watts.

Willie was a gentle and humble man whose presence brought comfort and joy to all who knew him. His legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever. He lived his life to the fullest, and he will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and be loved by him.

Serving as pallbearers will be Adam Bogle, Clark Butterworth, Stetson Dickerson, Patrick Dorris, Derek Hall, and Rusty Russell.

Honorary pallbearers bearers are:

Roy Mitchell, B.R. Hall, Robin Frost, and Duane Phillips