GREENWOOD - William Parker Tennell, formerly of Bloomington, passed quietly away on March 16, 2017 in The Hearth at Stones Crossing in Greenwood, IN. He was born in Francesville, IN, on June 11, 1925 and was the son of the late William and Hazel(Parker)Tennell.
Bill joined the US Navy becoming a lieutenant at the young age of 19. He served in the Navy from 1943-1946 in the South Pacific on an attack cargo ship the USS Kenmore. He was a graduate of Indiana University. He married Lou Ada Volkers in Bloomington. She preceded him in death in 1978.
Bill was a wedding photographer for over 40 years in Bloomington. He was a sweet natured guy who had a contagious smile. He had a generous caring heart that touched so many people's lives through his talent of photography.
He was an avid reader, loved I.U. Basketball, fishing, working in his yard, telling jokes and dancing every Friday night at the American Legion. Bill never met a stranger and was a loving, hands-on grandfather and wonderful role model to his two grandsons. He was a member of the Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, Burton Woolery Post #18 American Legion, VFW Post 604, Free Mason Monroe Lodge 22, The Monroe County YMCA, IU Alumni Association and Sigma Phi Epsilon. He enjoyed spending his winter months in Florida, walking the beach
Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife Lou, his son Jay, his sister Mary Jo Harrer, and three siblings who died in infancy: Mary, Elizabeth and Robert.
He is survived by his daughter and best friend Claire Alt (husband Charles)of Greenwood, IN, his grandsons: Eric Andrew Alt and Ryan Connor Alt. He is also survived by his niece Diana Coulis(husband Paul) of Bloomington, two nephews: Robert Harrer(wife Janis)of San Francisco, CA and James Harrer(wife Kathy)of Evansville, IN. and his companion of 12 years, Wanda Taylor.
Visitation for Bill will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2017 from 4-8 p.m. in Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home, 4150 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN 47401. The funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11 a.m. in Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, 2700 E. Rogers St., Bloomington, IN 47401 with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Clear Creek Cemetery with the Monroe county Honor Guard performing military honors.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 50 E. 91st St. STE 100, Indianapolis, IN 46209-4830.
Online condolences may be made to www. Day DeremiahFrye.com
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5 Entries
November 9, 2017
Jolene Mudd Barton
61 and married since 1984. Bill was our photographer at the wedding. My album has gotten sticky so online trying to find a 5 x 5 album (not so easy these days as I bought about 50 pictures and this isn
March 24, 2017
Cathy Meyer
I am sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a business mentor when I was married and we were looking for a house and he took baby pictures of our daughter when she was born. Such a kind and nice man.
March 22, 2017
Bob Harrer
My Uncle Bill was a a wonderfully nice man who brought laughter and happiness wherever he went. I remember as a child in the 1950s how he was a bachelor with TV in his bedroom. Imagine, he could lay in bed and watch TV. What could be cooler than that! He had to deal with a couple of huge losses in his life when his son and wife passed away much too soon. Yet, he maintained his good nature throughout his time with us. I will miss him and the world is a lesser place for his passing.
March 18, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of William's passing. Jesus wept after the death of his friend Lazarus. John 11:35. We mourn along with you. May the God who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn sustain and surround you, until you meet again, Psalm 147:3.
Linda
March 17, 2017
Our Uncle Bill was a smiling presence with a cheery word for everyone over many years. Our family will miss him dearly and will cherish our many memories of him. He was an exceptional photographer and he has captured wonderful moments for us all which we are thankful to have from him. Paul and Diana Coulis
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