William C. "Bill" Tallent

TALLENT, WILLIAM C. "BILL" - Born November 29, 1923, age, 88. Sunday evening, Bill Tallent passed away peacefully at the Ben Atchley State Veterans Home with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his father Frank N. Tallent, mother Frankie Grantham Tallent, brother Frank N, (Skeet) Tallent Jr. Skeet's wife Bessie McNeil Tallent and sister Betty Tallent May. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Juanita Norris Tallent, his two sons: William C. Tallent Jr. and his wife Deborah Bailey Tallent and Nelson R. (Ray) Tallent and his wife Nancy Tallent; four grandchildren: Margaret Tallent Alderman, Bailey Tallent Duncan, Martha Brooks Tallent and Caleb Alexander (Alex) Tallent; brother in law: Fred May, nieces: Cindy May Crumley, Kristi May Tillery and Trish Tallent Lobasso, as well as nephews: Brooks McNeely, Mark McNeely, Michael McNeely, Jack Tallent, Tom Tallent, Fred May Jr. and Chuck May. He was member of 4th Presbyterian Church and was a graduate of Knoxville High School where he has been recognized in the KHS Hall of Fame. A decorated veteran of WWII he was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. He was a twice-escaped POW whose wartime exploits were immortalized in various newspaper articles, publications and a television documentary. He also attended the University of Tennessee where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was a longtime Knoxville businessman and entrepreneur having founded Tallent Realty, served as the Chairman of Dean Planters Realty and Vice President of Dean Planters Warehouses. However, he is best known as a tireless public servant. He served as the Knox County Commissioner of Finance from 1953 through 1980 during which time he also served as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. He was either responsible or instrumental in bringing us many of the services we take for granted today. Later in his career he returned to government and served Knox County as a court officer. In addition, Bill served a long and distinguished career in the Civil Air Patrol receiving numerous awards and commendations. Colonel Tallent served successively as the commander of the Knoxville Squadron, Group IX, the Tennessee Wing and the Southeast Region, which encompassed seven states. Before his retirement he had risen to become one of the highest-ranking officers in the nation. In his later years, Bill championed the need for improved services for all veterans. He was a member of virtually all of the military service related organizations and served as a leader in most of them. He served on the policy board for the Tennessee State Veteran's Home and was instrumental in bringing the Ben Atchley facility to fruition as well as to its location in Knox County. In recognition of his lifetime of public service and service to veterans the William C. Tallent Veterans Outpatient Clinic in West Knoxville was dedicated in his honor in August 2011. The Family will receive friends Wednesday December 14, 2011 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. A graveside service will be held 11:00 am, Thursday December 15, 2011 Highland Memorial Cemetery. Full Military Honors presented by the Army National Guard and the Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard. The nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Alzeheimer's Tennessee Inc. or the veterans organization of your choice. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com

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William C. "Bill" Tallent

December 12, 2011