William Bradford “Billy” Love, 66, of Morristown, died at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare early Wednesday morning, September 1, 2021. Born without legs and a national poster child for the Shriners Hospital for Children, Billy found a way to “run life’s race” with artificial prosthetics. A 1972 graduate of Morristown East, the TSSAA would not allow anyone to compete using prosthetics. Undeterred, Billy became the manager of the East High School 1969 State Championship football team and spearheaded their 50-year championship reunion in 2019. He was a lifelong Vol Fan and graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1976. While at UT, he became a “walk-on” member of the football team. After graduation, he taught and coached in the Hamblen County School System while working as a funeral attendant at Allen Funeral Home. For 14 years, Billy served as Deputy Coroner for Hamblen County as he assisted over 1,000 families during their time of loss. For the past twenty years, Billy was a licensed prosthetist with clients in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Billy always lent his time and his heart to everyone. Even as a teenager, he was the first to volunteer for mission trips in the United Methodist Church. He was also a volunteer football coach for several years in the Hamblen County Recreational Football league. He was never too busy to laugh, tell a story, as well as provide help and comfort to others. Above all, Billy loved God, his family, and his friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Anne Smith Love.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughters, Misty (Cale) Love Cameron and Victoria Lee; son, O.J. Love; granddaughters, Jaylin Love, Ren Cameron, and Lashae Lee; as well as extended family, loved ones and friends.
He will lie in repose on Friday, September 3, 2021, from noon until 7:00 PM in the West Chapel of Allen Funeral Home. A private service and burial will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021. The 1969 State Championship Football Team will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Allen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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