William Madison Portman (Bill)—passed away Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Sumner Regional Medical Center. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky, July 23, 1931, the son of Homer R. Portman and Ruth Howe Portman.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Helen Ballard Portman, two daughters, Jodi Portman Tillotson (Rodney) of Cleveland, Tennessee and Pamela Portman Quinn of Charlotte, North Carolina, brother Robert H. Portman (Barbara) of Knoxville, Tennessee, Six grandchildren, Sarah, Kelli and Laura Quinn, Reid, Ashlyn and Parker Tillotson.
Bill grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and graduated from Louisville Male High School in 1949. After high school Bill attended the University of Louisville before transferring to Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky where he graduated in May of 1953. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Theology Degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky in May of 1956. After serving as pastor at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, Bill felt the call to work with youth and began his YMCA career with the Young Men’s Christian Association in Louisville, Kentucky. Bill also served in “Y” positions in Danville, Virginia and Marietta, Georgia. After moving to the Nashville, Tennessee area in 1969, Bill served as the Director of the East Nashville YMCA branch. Later he became the Director of the Greenhills Family YMCA where he worked until he retired on July 29, 1990 as a Senior Vice President of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. Bill received numerous awards for influencing and touching countless people, particularly youth, during his 37 year YMCA career.
Visitation will be at Hendersonville Memory Gardens & Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 26th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be at First Baptist Church Hendersonville at 1:00 p.m. Thursday with Dr. Roger Lovette, officiating. Burial will follow at Hendersonville Memory Gardens and Funeral Home. Family and friends will serve as Pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 (stjude.org) or The Pat Summitt Foundation at 625 Market Street Suite 1400, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902 (patsummitt.org). HENDERSONVILLE FUNERAL HOME 353 Johnny Cash Pkwy Hendersonville, TN 37075 (615) 824-3855 springfieldfh.wpengine.com
Willam "Bill" Madison Portman
Born in Lexington, KY on July 23, 1931
Departed on February 22, 2014 and resided in Hendersonville, TN
- Life Celebration: Hendersonville First Baptist Church Room: Auditorium
- Thursday February 27, 2014 1:00pm
- Visitation: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: Stateroom A
- Wednesday February 26, 2014 4:00pm to 8:00pm
- Interment: Hendersonville Memory Gardens
- Thursday February 27, 2014 2:30pm
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February 24, 2014 9:36 pm
Helen, I am so sorry about Bill. I send my sympathy and condolences to you and your family.
February 25, 2014 10:43 am
Mr. Portman was always upbeat and a joy to visit with, I enjoyed knowing him. He was an asset to the City and will be missed.
February 25, 2014 8:29 pm
Pam and family: I am so sorry for your loss!! I know how special your dad was to all of you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!!! Love to all, Ann
February 25, 2014 8:56 pm
We are so sorry to hear about Billys passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
February 25, 2014 8:58 pm
We are so sorry to hear about Billy’ s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 25, 2014 9:34 pm
Helen and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing but remember you are in our thoughts and prayers now and in the coming days. Please keep in touch.
February 26, 2014 11:25 am
Bill and his friendly smile and attitude will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him. My condolences to Helen and family.
February 26, 2014 12:20 pm
Jodi and Rodney, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.