William "Bill" Linsley Severance

William (Bill) Linsley Severance, Sr., age 72, passed away after a sudden illness on May 14, 2026. Born on March 24, 1954, in Knoxville, Bill lived a life marked by devotion to his family, deep faith, intellectual curiosity, and a love for both music and the mountains.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Marcus Severance, Sr. and Florence Johnston Severance; and by his brothers, Donald Marcus Severance, Jr. and Charles (Charlie) Maxwell Severance, Sr. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Peggy Anne Tate Severance, whom he met at Emory & Henry College. Their enduring marriage became the foundation of a close and deeply loved family.He is survived by his son, William (Chip) Severance, Jr. and wife Paige Steen Severance, and their children: Scout Elizabeth, William Tate, Kathrynn Paige, Jack Beaman, and Henry Maxwell. He is also survived by his daughter, Jeannette (Jenny) Severance Jones and husband John David Jones, and their children: Truett Wilson, Hadley Anne, and Olivia Anne.He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Phyllis Bales Severance, and nephews Chuck Severance (Kim), Marc Severance (Jamie), and Mike Severance (Robin).A graduate of Central High School, Bill was a gifted athlete and musician. He ran track in both high school and college, played on the tennis team at Emory & Henry, and was an accomplished trombone player who performed in bands and orchestras throughout his school years. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics and a second Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Emory & Henry.Bill spent 20 years serving as a YMCA executive before starting his own accounting business. He later shared his entrepreneurial spirit with his son, Chip, in building two businesses together, something that brought him great pride and deepened their bond. Alongside his professional life, he and Peg served together as trained biblical counselors, ministering faithfully to others through wisdom, compassion, and steady presence. At First Baptist Concord, Bill was a devoted member and regular substitute teacher in their Sunday morning Bible Study Group.Bill loved jazz and was a true audiophile who could often be found immersed in the perfect recording. He loved golf, tennis, project cars, and especially the Great Smoky Mountains. Some of his family’s most treasured memories were made together at the family cabin in Elkmont, where gatherings, hikes, and long conversations became part of the fabric of their lives.An avid runner, Bill was known for taking off on long mountain runs whenever the family visited the Smokies. One story often retold was the time he ran to the top of Mount LeConte in under an hour. He passed on his love of adventure through experiences like the trip he and Peg took with their children out West, a journey the family remembers with deep fondness to this day.Above all else, Bill was a devoted follower of Christ. From his faith flowed a deep and steady love for his family, and his presence influenced many people. Bill will be remembered for his faith, humor,intelligence, generosity, and the bold strength with which he lived his life.The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at First Baptist Concord Chapel with a Celebration of Life to follow at 4:00.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Baptist Concord Biblical Counseling Ministry: https://concordonline.org/bill-severance or First Baptist Concord 11704 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934. Arrangements by Mynatt Funeral Home.