William Thomas Hollingsworth “Bill,” 87, of Waynesville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus, on February 11, 2026. After seeing Jesus, he was reunited with the love of his life, Betty, who had been waiting for him.

Bill was a charter member of Ninevah Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon for most of his life and served as chairman of the deacons at various times. He also served as music director at Ninevah Baptist for many decades. Listening to Bill lead the music while his beloved wife Betty played the organ or piano brought great joy to their family and church family.

Bill loved his Lord and Savior deeply and spoke of the Lord often. During times he was hospitalized, he faithfully shared the Gospel with those around him.

Bill proudly served in the United States Army Reserves for six years as a weapons instructor.

Bill was an old-world craftsman who could build or fix almost anything. His passion was firearms, beginning with his first Red Ryder BB gun at age seven. He enjoyed working on guns, creating custom holsters and grips, and crafting knives from the casing to the blade. He was also a talented shoemaker, using his father’s shoe shop equipment, and was known for his remarkable skill. Bill loved gardening and yard work, and if he was outdoors, especially with Betty, he was happy. He was also an exceptionally talented wood carver.

Bill worked at Champion International as a machine operator and retired after 41 years of dedicated service.

He was preceded in death by his precious wife, Betty Hollingsworth; his parents, Bill Hollingsworth Sr. and Hilda Hollingsworth; and his brothers, Jesse and Robert Hollingsworth.

Those left to cherish Bill’s memory include his daughters, Julie Lovett (David) and Cindi Jones (Brian); grandchildren, Tori Jacobs (Jake) and Jonathan Keener; and great-grandchildren, Rosalie, Brooklyn, Tessa, Bridger, and Cody Jacobs, along with many cherished friends.

Bill was a shining example of the best husband, father, Papaw, brother, uncle, and friend. If you knew Bill, you loved Bill.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ninevah Baptist Church Music Department.

The family would like to extend a special thank you for the extraordinary care he received from Valor Hospice at the Charles George VA Medical Center.

Visitation will be held from 12:30pm-1:30pm at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville on Wednesday, Feb.18, 2026. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 pm at Green Hill Cemetery in Waynesville officiated by Rev. Mike Leslie.

The care of Mr. Hollingsworth has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville