Bill Pless was born and raised in Marble Plains and attended Marble Plains Methodist Church as a young child. 
He was a 1947 graduate of Tullahoma High School, where he excelled at playing football, baseball, and basketball for 3 years. Bill attended Austin Peay State University on a football scholarship from 1948-1950. Desiring to serve his country, Bill joined the United States Army and served as a U.S. Army Corporal from 1951-1953 during which time he enjoyed several assignments in Colorado and Alaska.
Returning to his native Tullahoma, Bill began a 45-year career in the hardwood lumber industry working with Crouch Lumber Company and later founding Pless Lumber Company. Many friendships and acquantinces were established as Bill traveled the area buying timber.
Loving the outdoors, Bill was an avid quail hunter and horseman. He collected guns as a hobby. Bill cherished the later years when he built a home on Rock Creek, the home place property of his grandparents. Finding joy in sharing time with family and friends, Bill was always proud to open his home for family reunions and social entertaining.
Bill was a devoted son, father, and grandfather. He loved his family and was loved in return by many whom he considered family. Bill was a member of Masonic Lodge #262. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Houston and Nora Pless; brother, Bruce Pless; nephew Vance Pless; and great-nephew, Micah Pless. Additionally preceding him is his children’s mother, Martha Jane Crouch Pless.
Family members survivng who will cherish his memories are his children, Emily (Alan) Sweeton of Tullahoma, Charlie Pless of Houston, TX, and David Pless of Tullahoma; seven grandchildren who will remember “Papa” are Beth (Colle), Matt, Anne, Amy, Joe (Karen), Houston, and William; great-grandchildren who survive, Houston, Hunter, Campbell, Brody, Paris, and Whit. Bill is also survived by his sister, Vernie Hale Hastings of Tullahoma; brother, Ray Pless of Wallops Island, VA; and sister-in-law, Gloria Pless of Tullahoma. A host of neices and nephews survive who all have fond membies of “Uncle Bill”.
Visitation will be held Sunday, May 31 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Kilgore Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will take place Monday, June 1 at 11:30 am in the Kilgore Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jack Hice of Marble Plains Baptist Church, Pastor Chad Conn, and son David Pless officiating.
Burial with military honors will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.
For those who wish, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 220 Great Circle Rd. #134, Nashville, TN 37228, or the charity of your choice.
The children and family of Bill Pless wish to acknowledge the staff of the Life Care Center of Tullahoma and extend a heartfelt thank you for the genuine care and concern shown during Bill’s stay at their facility.
Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.