William White Bales

William W. Bales, 96, entered peacefully into his Heavenly Home on January 8, 2026, at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend. Born in 1929 in Morristown, he attended Rose School and Morristown High School. In his youth, the family moved to Chucky Bend Farm, the Susong family farm with its origins in the McFarland land grant that established Hamblen County.  Bill moved to the Springvale community to establish Hillside Farm in 1968.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mary Lynn Bales; father, White W. Bales; mother, Jennie Susong Bales, and sister, Betty Jo Gallagher.

He is survived by his sons, Joe (Valerie) Bales and Thom (Karin) Bales; daughter, Mary Ann (Tom) Rush; grandchildren, Caty (Robbie) Palmer, Ben (Lauren Shockley) Rush, Lauren (Hunter) Mace, Will Bales, and Theodore Bales, and great granddaughter, Macie Lynn Palmer, as well as his canine companion, Missy.

Bill spent nearly 50 years in the banking industry (Bank of Commerce and Jefferson Federal Savings and Loan Association). He was a farmer and cattlemen for almost 80 years raising registered Shorthorns, where he was honored by the American Shorthorn Association in 2023 as a Builder of the Breed. He graduated from Carson- Newman College where he played football and baseball for the legendary Frosty Holt, and he served 3 years in Germany with the U.S. Army where he served as a morse code interceptor.

Throughout his life, he was an active member of First Presbyterian Church as well as serving in leadership roles in community organizations including Morristown Cherokee Lions Club, Hamblen County Livestock Association, Hamblen County Farm Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, and United Way. In recent years, he grew sweet corn for the local homeless shelter. He will be missed by family and friends, but he has now finished his journey to his Heavenly Home.

The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to the doctors, nurses, and staff  at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System, CARIS, and Smoky Mountain Home Health. Their kindness, thoughtfulness, and care was exceptional.

There will be a memorial service on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 1:30 at First Presbyterian Church of Morristown followed by a reception.  Burial will be a private family ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Morristown or a charity of your choice.

Allen Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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