Bill Dockery, whose tenacious reporting and incisive editorial writing drew attention to injustice and heroism for decades in East Tennessee, died April 6 at his home in Knoxville at the age of 75. Bill was a tireless advocate for persons with disabilities, which led him to complete the course Partners in Policy Making and to accept then-Mayor Bill Haslam’s appointment to the Mayor’s Committee on Disability Issues (CODI.)
A graduate of Sevier County High School and Carson-Newman College, he continued taking courses in creative writing at Vanderbilt University in Nashville and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and had a passion for both literature and journalism. Bill pursued and protected the written word.
Bill relished all his work, including two summers working asphalt for Blalock Construction; two summers as a zinc miner; two years as a magazine editorial consultant and writer for The United Methodist Publishing House; some time as a reporter for the Sevierville County News Record and the Gatlinburg Press (now the Mountain Press) and many years magazine editing and writing for The Upper Room.
He also worked in communications for Oak Ridge Associated Universities, and spent many especially happy years reporting, editorial writing and editing for the Knoxville News Sentinel. His work also included editing and writing for Metropulse and science writing. For some years he worked in communications at the University of Tennessee, from which he retired, only to freelance all over town.
William Love Dockery is survived by his widow, Emalie Love Dockery; brother, Mike (Vonda Laughlin) Dockery; daughter, Haley Dockery; son, Marshall (Amber) Dockery; stepsons Andrew (Alison) Egan and Ned (Tandra) Egan; grandchildren Ashlynn, Braylee and Tatum; as well as five step- granddaughters and two great- grandchildren, all of Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe W. Dockery of Sevier County, where he served as trustee for 16 years, and Mary Lou Love Dockery of Jefferson County, a devoted elementary school teacher.
Bill’s life was enriched by a host of deep friendships. Donna Creech is an especially close friend who survives him.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, April 21, at Central United Methodist Church, 201 3rd Avenue, Knoxville, with receiving of friends at 2 p.m. and memorial at 4.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Battlefield Farms through the Knox County Community Gardens and Growers Alliance (KCCG&G Alliance) c/o Battlefield Farms, 417 N Castle St. Knoxville, TN 37914.
Submitted by family of Bill Dockery