William Clinton Kimbro

William “Bill” Clinton Kimbro, 71, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, visionary entrepreneur, and influential leader in the energy industry, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 5, 1955, to Harlon J. Kimbro, Sr. and Helen Smith Kimbro, William attended John Overton High School and Columbia State Community College. His roots in Middle Tennessee ran deep, but his ambition, curiosity, and belief in what was possible carried his influence far beyond his hometown.

An entrepreneur to his core, William devoted 51 years to the energy industry. As owner, president, and CEO of Kimbro Oil Company, he helped carry forward and expand the family business legacy established by his father. Alongside his brother, Harlon “Butch” Kimbro, Jr., with whom he worked for more than five decades, William helped build and lead enterprises that would create opportunities for generations.

His ownership interests extended across Tri Star Energy-known to many through its Twice Daily, Sudden Service, and Little General convenience stores and White Bison Coffee - as well as Tri Star Transport, Tri Star Services, Energy Path Solutions, Premier Truck & Trailer, Premier Sign, PowerUp America, CJR Bottling, among others. Together, these businesses reflected his remarkable entrepreneurial vision, spanning petroleum distribution, convenience retail, transportation, real estate, electric vehicle charging, hydrogen, and emerging technologies. His ability to recognize opportunity, pursue innovation, and turn ambitious ideas into enduring enterprises helped shape an industry and strengthen communities throughout Tennessee and beyond.

William understood that vision alone was never enough. He was as comfortable negotiating a major business agreement as he was climbing into a fuel truck, walking a company yard, or helping an employee solve a problem. No task was beneath him. He believed that well-maintained equipment, a professional appearance, and attention to detail reflected the pride and integrity behind a business. He respected hard work, valued integrity, and believed that a person's word should mean something.

His leadership reached well beyond his own companies. William served as president of the Tennessee Fuel and Convenience Association in 1997, following his father, who served in 1979. He also served for several years as national chairman of the Amoco brand. He took immense pride in watching his daughter, Brooke, later continue the family tradition as president of the association—three generations of leadership in an industry they loved.

But for all he accomplished, William understood that businesses were built by people. He recognized potential in others, sometimes before they saw it in themselves, and gave them opportunities to succeed. He could connect as easily with a young store employee as with an industry executive, making each feel valued and heard. Many of the people he encouraged became lifelong friends. His generosity was often quiet, his loyalty enduring, and his willingness to help seemingly without limit.

He even made a point of attending funerals for people he had never met when it meant he could be there for someone who was grieving. For William, showing up mattered.

That same spirit of generosity shaped his family's longstanding commitment to philanthropy, particularly its support of Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. What began with his father's passion for helping children more than 50 years ago became an enduring Kimbro family tradition. William and his brother Butch were deeply committed to sustaining that legacy, particularly through the Twice Daily Cup, whose charitable efforts have supported children and families facing some of life's most difficult circumstances.

Even during his final illness, William encouraged his family to attend the tournament's most recent celebration, where its largest annual contribution to date was presented. Continuing that tradition of giving was a source of tremendous pride to him.

At the center of William's life were his faith and his family.

His love story with Connie began when they were children. He set his heart on her early, and his devotion never wavered. She became his steadfast partner, his greatest supporter, and the love of his life. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, adventure, generosity, and a love that sustained them through every season.

To his children, Chad, Brett, and Brooke, he was a constant source of encouragement and an example of how to live. He taught them to work hard, think independently, stand up for what was right, trust God, and never lose sight of the people around them. However demanding his work became, he found ways to be present, cheering them on and making them feel that their lives and dreams mattered. William and Connie also welcomed Ryan Hoffman as their chosen son, embracing him with the same love and commitment that defined their family.

Becoming Poppi brought out the child in William all over again. With his five grandchildren—Bray, Jennings, Reeves, Vivian, and Watson—his playful spirit and imagination were on full display. He had made childhood magical for his own children, and watching him create that same sense of wonder for his grandchildren was one of the family's greatest joys. He delighted in their laughter and never needed an excuse to join in the fun.

That joyful spirit was unmistakable. William loved a practical joke, an elaborate holiday celebration, and any opportunity to turn an ordinary day into an adventure. His legendary driving tours of Nashville might go on for hours as he shared the history of its businesses, properties, and people. And though he was famously optimistic about when he would arrive, those waiting for him could almost always count on hearing that he was “passing 100 Oaks.” He may not always have been on time, but when someone truly needed him, he was there.

William's Christian faith was the foundation beneath his ambition and generosity. He believed his blessings came from God and were meant to be shared. He trusted the Lord to guide his steps, and he met life's opportunities and difficulties with conviction, integrity, and a willingness to serve.

William leaves behind more than a remarkable business legacy. He leaves people whose lives were changed because he believed in them, organizations strengthened by his generosity, a family shaped by his example, and a spirit of possibility that will continue through the generations. He spent his life looking toward what could come next—and preparing others to carry it forward.

William is survived by his beloved wife, Connie Brown Kimbro; his children, Chad Martin, Brett Martin (fiancée Chelsea Faulkner), and Brooke Kimbro Vizard (Ross Vizard); his chosen son, Ryan Hoffman; his five cherished grandchildren, Bray, Jennings, Reeves, Vivian “Vivi,” and Watson; his siblings, Anne Frost (Martin Frost), Harlon “Butch” Kimbro, Jr. (Linn Strouse), and Scott Kimbro (Mary Evelyn); and an extended family of relatives, friends, and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlon J. Kimbro, Sr. and Helen Smith Kimbro.

Public Visitation will be held Monday, October 26, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville TN 37204. A second public visitation will be held Tuesday, October 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service celebrating William's life at 1:00 p.m. at Brentwood Baptist Church, 7777 Concord Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville TN 37204.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Crievewood Community Church, The RAD Project (theradproject.org), or Begin Anew (beginanew.org)—three organizations that reflect William's faith, compassion, and commitment to helping others.