William Thomas Hockaday

September 3, 1945 — September 8, 2022

William Thomas Hockaday was born September 3, 1945 in McNairy County, TN the son of the late Bonna Morris and Mallie Vera Garrett Hockaday.

He was united in marriage to Jo McCalip on February 14, 1967. They were married for 55 years.

Mr. Hockaday retired from the Memphis Fire Department after 32 years of dedicated service to the city of Memphis and Shelby County. His true passion was carpentry - building his house and the cabinetry along with numerous furniture pieces for his beloved family. He was known to his family and close friends as a wonderful host and cook - in the words of his children, "Dad made the best spaghetti."

He was a self-taught musician of the guitar, harmonica and piano - playing all the instruments by ear. He had a love for westerns, John Wayne, and travel. His love for the outdoors and the National Parks triggered his numerous trips to visit the parks, some more than once. He and Jo loved traveling not only in the United States but also abroad especially to Italy.

Mr. Hockaday departed this life on September 8, 2022 in Bethel Springs, Tennessee at the age of 77 Years, 5 Days. He is survived by his wife, Jo Hockaday of Bethel Springs, TN; two daughters, Regenea Garland and husband Mark of Lillington, NC, Sarah Louise Hockaday and husband Alex Brown of Flower Mound, TX; two sons, William Mason Hockaday and wife Emma of Clarksville, TN, Spencer Todd Hockaday of Knoxville, TN; 13 Grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren; two brothers, James Hockaday and wife Kaffee of Lebanon, TN, John Ross Hockaday and wife June of Shelbyville, TN; three sisters, Rose Alonzo and husband Manuel of Roselle, IL, Faye Derryberry of Ramer, TN, Suzie Huckabee and husband Johnny of Oakland, TN; sisters-in-law, Sue Hockaday and Lynn Hockaday both of Selmer, TN; and a host of extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hockaday was preceded in death by two brothers, George Morris Hockaday, Emmett Hockaday.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Memphis Firefighters Association Foundation, 5150 Stage Rd, Memphis TN 38134

Celebration of Life service will be on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the Purdy Community Center 785 Gann Rd Selmer TN with a reception to follow.