Major Billey W. Golden Sr.

Major Billey W. Golden Sr. US Army retired, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather of New Tazewell, TN., passed away in his sleep into the arms of our Lord and Savior on January 25, 2023 at the age of 93. Bill was born on January 11, 1930 in Pitcher Oklahoma, and was married to Reva J. Alston on June 10, 1950 at the Tazewell Methodist Church parsonage. Bill attended Mayes Chapel United Methodist Church in Lonesome Valley. Bill became an ordained Baptist Minister in the 1960’s at Cloud Switch Baptist Church. Bill’s love for God was unwavering and devoted his life to God’s work, his family, and his country.

Bill joined the Army in 1948 and retired in 1970 with the rank of Major. While in the military he served in the 10^th Special Forces Group (ABN), 82AA Division, 101^st Airborne Division, 11^th Airborne Division, 2^nd Infantry Division, 7^th Lore US Army Command, and the 3^rd Infantry Division. His awards include the following; National Defense Service Medal w/OLC, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Air Occupation Medal (Japan), United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Pecht/Glider Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge with one combat jump star. While serving in the military Bill’s love for God grew. He wanted to share God’s Word. While stationed in Germany, he started a church mission in Wurzburg, Germany, and did mission works in Guatemala, Mexico and in Evanston, Wyoming.

Bill graduated Cum Laude from Walter State Community College in 1975, with an Associate of Science in Architectural Technology. He enjoyed studying the Bible, beekeeping, farming and reading Louis L’Amore books.  

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, of 67 years, Reva J. Golden of New Tazewell, TN., his father, John W. Golden of Sacramento, CA., his mother, Ruby N. Green Golden of Jackson, TN., a brother, Bobby Golden of Sacramento, CA., a brother, Leland of Pontiac, MI., a brother, Johnny Golden of Sacramento, CA., a sister, Brenda Poteet of Jackson, TN., and a granddaughter, Casey Pannocchia of New Tazewell, TN.. Bill is survived by his son, Billey W. Golden Jr. and family of Knoxville, TN., daughter, Leila N. Lee and family of Bulls Gap, Tn., daughter, Deborah L. Golden of New Tazewell, TN., daughter, Juanita G. Pannocchia and family of New Tazewell, TN., daughter, Mary E Jenkins and family of New Tazewell, TN., 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

The family will receive friends Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 5 pm. until 7 pm. with funeral services to follow at 7 pm in the Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Miller of Locus Church officiating. Instrumental music by Timothy Lee. Graveside services will be conducted Friday, January 27, 2023 at 10 am at the Fairview Cemetery, Tazewell, Tennessee with military honors provided by the United States Army Honor Guard.

Pallbearers: Billey Golden Jr, Brian Whitehead, Steven Jenkins, Tyler Jenkins, Bradley Coffey, and Hart Coffey.

Claiborne - Overholt Funeral Home