Deceased March 18, 2017

William Oran Lovelace (Bill), 71, of Hixson Tn, passed away peacefully Saturday March 18, 2017. Bill was predeceased by his parents Oran and Orene Lovelace and Dr. Joe Hall, his parents in law Leroy and LaRue Cherry and his son William Grant Lovelace. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gail, his sons Kelley and wife Karen, son Cory and wife Christa and his daughter in law Janeane Lovelace. His brothers and sisters in law Dennis and Sherry Lovelace and Ronald and Wenda Lovelace. His grandchildren McCain Merren, Garrett, Parker and McKenzie Lovelace and Catey and Claire Lovelace.  
Bill was born in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School in Kentucky and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He was a faithful member of Burks United Methodist Church for over 40 years. Bill had a distinguished career in fossil and nuclear power for TVA / Sequoyah Nuclear Power Plant. Post retirement he enjoyed passing along his lifelong knowledge
to young engineers as an instructor at the TVA-Sequoyah Training Center.
He took great pride in his work and had a tireless work ethic, which he passed on to his sons and grandchildren. 
Bill never really took the time to get into hunting or fishing and we can't ever recall seeing him with a golf club in his hand, but he did enjoy other sports. He loved coaching his son's and other young athletes in football and baseball at Middle Valley Recreation. Even after pulling a double shift, he still found time to "warm up his boys" by hitting them "worm burners" in the driveway before a game. 
He was also a die hard, tried and true TN Vols fan and we wouldn't doubt if he checked the battery life, in his lite up TN ball cap, before every game. Just this year, the whole family was here with him to watch all the TN football games but one in particular will be etched in our minds forever; the Tennessee Georgia game. When Juan Jennings came down in the end zone with that Hail Mary pass the whole family went berserk, screaming, high fiving, jumping up and down. The whole family went crazy, except for Bill. He simply raised his hands in the air from his favorite red chair, smiled and said, "Give him six!"
Bill's humble, peaceful, loving demeanor didn't just show up every now them. He had consistent, unconditional love for all his family and friends. The things we will miss about him are his sense of humor, loyalty to family, toughness in the face of adversity, patience and that he was an American Patriot. He loved God, country & country music and would always end a friend or family visit by saying, "Be careful, love you, shiny side up."
Memorial contributions may be made to Burks United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153,