Wilford (Mr. Billy) Caulkins

Wilford (Mr. Billy) Caulkins, III, 87, went home to be with his Savior and Lord on July 27, 2018. His goal in life was to know God and enjoy Him forever.

He was a lifelong resident of Lookout Mountain and was one of the first students of the Lookout Mountain School. He was educated at The McCallie School, where he served, during its military years, as Captain of his company. He attended the University of North Carolina for two years and transferred to the University of Alabama where he was a member of the Air Force ROTC and achieved the rank of Cadet Major and Squadron Commander. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Economics.

He served in the US Air Force for three years, being discharged with the rank of Captain. While in service, he was proud to have climbed Mount Fuji.

He was Vice President of Sherman & Reilly, Inc. and a member of Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church for 60 years. He served as Elder and Vice Moderator of the Session and as Sunday School teacher for over 50 years. He was named Elder Emeritus.

He served on the Board of Trustees of The McCallie School and was twice the President of the Alumni Association. He was the recipient of McCallie’s Spirit Award for his dedication and love of  his alma mater.

He was on the Board of Directors of Fairyland Club and was the founding President of the Southeast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. He and his late wife Nancy, having served the Parent Council at Girls Preparatory School (as Presidents), started the Parent Council at Brenau University where both his daughters attended. Together they served  as the founding Presidents.

He was a long-time competitive swim referee, having served twice as President of the Greater Chattanooga Aquatic Club, President of the Chattanooga Area Swim League twice, President of the Fairyland Club swim team, as well as the YMCA team. He was recognized for his 50 years of service to the Chattanooga Area Swim League with the renaming of the championship meet, The Bill Caulkins City Meet. For his service to the sport of swimming, he was inducted into the Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Lookout Mountain Athletics Hall of Fame.

Having been a member of the football and track team at McCallie, he diversified his athletics by playing lacrosse on its first team at the University of North Carolina and on the tennis team at the University of Alabama. In his adult years, he turned to handball and running. He was a two time City Doubles Champion in handball. 

He is survived by his three children: Wilford Caulkins, IV, Elizabeth Caulkins Bookout, Caroline Caulkins Bentley; one grandchild Elizabeth Bookout Picklesimer; and one great-grandchild Jesse. He is also survived by his two sisters: Harriet Caulkins Moore of Dalton, Georgia and Helen (Brownie) Caulkins Brown of Pulaski, Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his beautiful wife of 50 years, Nancy Fogo Caulkins, his parents Mr. and Mrs. Wilford Caulkins, Junior and his great granddaughter Skylar.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to the caregivers at Thrive at Brow Wood and Hearth Hospice for their love and care of Mr. Billy. His last years were richly filled with these people.

A celebration of life will be held on July 31 at 11:30 at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 to 11:30 before the service.  A private family burial will held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church (316 North Bragg Avenue, Lookout Mtn, TN 37350) or the Mid South Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association (4825 Trousdale Drive, Suite 220, Nashville, TN 37220).

Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.