James William (Bill) Torbett

Memoriam

James William (Bill) Torbett, 80, of Cleveland, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015, at a local hospital surrounded by his family.

Bill was the son of James Herbert Torbett and James Jewell Hicks Torbett. He was born October 7, 1934 in McMinn County and moved to Cleveland in 1963.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Shirley Ann Chrisman Torbett; infant son, Darrel Lynn Torbett; brothers Marvin Herbert, Kenneth Allen, and Gary Lynn Torbett.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Clayton Torbett; son William (Mickey) Torbett and wife Teresa of Cleveland; Tim Torbett and wife Tondilea of Murfreesboro; Kevin Torbett of Murfreesboro; and stepson, Reed Clayton of Athens. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Amanda Torbett of Nashville; Will Torbett and wife Nicole of Cleveland; Justin Torbett, Jason Rogers, and Gracie Torbett, all of Murfreesboro; Stephanie Clayton of Athens; and two great-grandchildren: Liam Corbett of Cleveland, and Jaxson Powell of Athens. He is survived by one sister, Iva Dean Pendergrass, of Cleveland. Additionally, he is survived by brothers-in-law Chester (Dag) and Gwen Chrisman, Granville (Gab) and Sharon Chrisman, Randall and Marcella Chrisman, and Perry and Mary Chrisman; sisters-in-law Hazel Mullins, Joan Rinehart, and Rita Anderson all of Englewood, and Rella Campbell of Athens, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and special friends, Jack and Juanell Mantooth of Cleveland.

Bill was a retired truck driver of 46 years, driving the last 27 years for Magic Chef/Maytag with over 3 million safe driving miles. He exemplified his motto of “anything worth doing was worth doing right” in all that he did. He was passionate about his family, his work, and his faith.

He instilled a small piece of himself in everyone that he met, and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

A memorial service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2015 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with his nephew, Reverend Travis Torbett officiating.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that instead you make a donation to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.