William C. Page

William (Bill) C. Page, a Vietnam veteran and long-term resident of Tazewell, passed away on November 12, 2023, at Claiborne Covenant Medical Center. Bill, as he was known by family and friends, was born on August 17, 1942, to Jess Willard and Elsie Savage Page in St. George’s, Bermuda. In 1960, his first tour of duty was with the U.S. Marines. While stationed in Hawaii, Bill started a “pen-pal” correspondence with his future wife, Ina Payne, by detailing the life of a "Private in the Corps."  In 1964, he married Ina and left the Marine Corps. One year later, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.

Bill received the Purple Heart for his heroic action during his second tour in Vietnam when he pulled another soldier to safety despite being injured himself. Bill did not speak much of his time in Vietnam; but, he proudly volunteered with the Tennessee State Guard, Disabled American Veterans, and other veteran organizations.

After Bill retired from the U.S. Army in 1980, he was ordained as a Free Will Baptist Minister. His passion was sharing the gospel and uplifting those he encountered. Throughout the years, he led numerous outreach missions, expanded the church's services, and provided support and guidance for both the younger and older generations within and without the congregation. His life was filled with "life and love."

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Ina Page; parents, Willard and Elsie; his sister, Vicki; and, his brother James. He is survived by his children, Sonda (Tim) Finley, Bryan (Andrea) Page, Sabrina Page, and Eva Page; grandchildren, Stephen (Meghan), Eric, David (Tonya), Justin, Chris (Allison), Sam (Nikki), Cassidy (Jonah) and Julian; great-grandchildren, Riley, Nathan, Mia, and Abigal.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Peace Free Will Baptist Church with receiving friends from 12:00-2:00 pm prior to the service.  A private graveside service is scheduled for Friday, November 17, 2023, in the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the local Red Cross, the DAV, and the 2nd Recon Battalion Association.

Arrangements by Allen Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William C. Page, please visit our floral store.