William Dance Obituary

William Thomas "Bill" Dance went home to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ at his home on Thursday, October 5, 2023. His family and friends mourn this earthly loss but rejoice in the hope of new life in heaven. Bill was born on August 21, 1934 in New Market, Tennessee to Dorothy Endsley Dance and LeeRoy "Roy" Dance. Both parents died by the time he was 12 where he was welcomed into the home of the French's and then his elder sister, Alma Heck and her family. He graduated from Central High School in Knoxville and attended Draughton Business College. Bill proudly served in the US Marine Corps (active duty 1954-56 and reserves 1956-1961).

Bill married his church choir sweetheart, Peggy Joyce Lovett in 1956. After working as an elevator repairman at Sheppard-Warner in Knoxville, he began his career with R.L. Harris Co. in 1957. The company was bought by Stowers Machinery and became a Caterpillar dealership in October 1960. Bill was employed as a mechanic helper and then a field service tech. He was transferred to Johnson City, Tn in April 1963 being promoted to store manager. He rose to Vice President in 1985 before his retirement in 1997. Bill was preceded in death by Earl (brother) in 1935, Dorothy (mother) in 1939, Roy (father) in 1948, sisters Alma Heck and Mary Edith Noe and nephew, Bobby Heck.

Bill is survived by his wife Peggy of 67 years, daughter Susan (Wally) Pasour of Haw River, NC, sons Rick (Regina) Dance of Knoxville, and Bryan (Pam) Dance of Jonesborough, as well as 6 grandchildren: Talina (Justin) Pasour Hammonds, Nakita (Abraham) Pasour Wesley, Jacob Dance, Isaiah (Asheton) Dance, Macey Dance and Makenna Dance, also a great-granddaughter Delaney Hammonds and another one to be introduced this month. He also leaves behind two nephews who were like brothers- Francis (Lola) Heck and Ruble (Corrine) Heck.

He was an active member of Boone Trail Baptist Church until health prevented, active in Little League and Babe Ruth baseball when his sons participated and loved the outdoors: fishing, hunting and UT sports.

Graveside services will be conducted at 12:00 PM Monday, October 9, 2023 in the Washington County Memory Gardens Mausoleum Chapel with Pastor Brian Buckner officiating. Pallbearers will be selected from the family and friends. The family will greet friends form 11:00 AM until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers, he requested donations in his memory be sent to Boone Trail Baptist Church, 1985 Carroll Creek Rd, Johnson City, TN 37615.

Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com. Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City is serving the Dance family. 423-928-2245