Tennessee SJR 863: Memorials, Death - Bill Wilder Webb -

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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 863
By Gresham

A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of William Wilder "Bill"
Webb.

WHEREAS, we were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of William Wilder "Bill"
Webb; and
WHEREAS, born on December 17, 1923, to Raymond and Flora Brite Webb, Bill Webb
was an exemplary public servant and consummate professional who worked assiduously to
improve the quality of life for his fellow citizens in numerous capacities; and
WHEREAS, a member of our country's Greatest Generation, Mr. Webb served in the
United States Army in World War II, during which time he was stationed in France and Belgium;
and
WHEREAS, upon completion of his military service, Bill Webb attended the University of
Tennessee Martin Junior College on the GI Bill and played on the basketball and football teams;
in 1950, he earned a scholarship to Mississippi State University, where he was a member of the
football and track teams; and
WHEREAS, after graduation, he moved to Metropolis, Illinois, and managed D&W Auto
Parts for a number of years. In 1968, he moved his young family to Selmer to fulfill his lifelong
dream to be a coach and teacher; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Webb was the first athletics director for the newly opened McNairy
Central High School (MCHS); he also served as the school's assistant principal, head basketball
coach, and track coach and designed and built the MCHS football and baseball fields; and
WHEREAS, after taking his well-deserved retirement, Bill Webb was appointed Selmer
City Judge, and he and his wife were named McNairy County Citizens of the Year in 2005; and

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WHEREAS, Mr. Webb was involved with numerous organizations and groups in his
community, including The Gideons International, Meals on Wheels, McNairy County Retired
Teachers, and American Legion, and he was an inaugural member of the Selmer Museum; and
WHEREAS, he was an active and devout member of First United Methodist Church in
Selmer, which he served faithfully for many years before he and his wife moved to Tupelo in
2011; and
WHEREAS, Bill Webb was also deeply devoted to his family, and he always endeavored
to remain true to family values of the highest order; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by three daughters, Becky (Jack) Peebles, Molly (Ed)
Meisenheimer, and Amy (Jack) McFerrin; six grandchildren, Drew (Kate) Meisenheimer, Tyler
(Lindsey) Meisenheimer, John Blythe Peebles, Kendall (Todd) Schoborg, Anna Grace (Grant)
Phifer, and Maggie McFerrin; eleven great-grandchildren, Webb Meisenheimer, Murphy
Meisenheimer, Mae Meisenheimer, Eli Meisenheimer, Miller Meisenheimer, Aaron
Meisenheimer, Bennett Meisenheimer, Beau Schoborg, Dorothy Schoborg, Jewell Phifer, and
Jack Phifer; and a host of extended family and close friends; and
WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of seventy years, Tommye
Lancaster Webb, his parents, and two great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Bill Webb leaves behind an indelible legacy of integrity and probity in public
life, compassion and loyalty in private life, and diligence and dedication in all his chosen
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that we should pause to remember the bountiful life of this
exceptional public servant and human being; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED ELEVENTH GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
CONCURRING, that we honor the memory and service of William Wilder "Bill" Webb, reflecting
fondly upon his impeccable character and his stalwart commitment to living the examined life
with courage and conviction.

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we express our sympathy and offer our condolences
to the family of Mr. Webb.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.