William Judkins

William Bill Judkins of Maryville passed away Monday, April 16, 2012 at home in Seymour. He was a United States Army Veteran stationed in Germany during the Cold War as a medic. Bill retired as executive director of the Maryville Housing Authority on June 30, 1999. He was a Blount County native and went to work for the Maryville Housing Authority on January 2, 1969 after serving in the military. Bill started out as a business relocation specialist, acquiring property for the downtown redevelopment project. In 1976 he became director of community development and housing. In 1983 he was named executive director of the housing authority. During his early years with the city, Judkins was involved in extensive urban renewal projects that included establishment of the Greenbelt and redevelopment efforts on Parham Hill, downtown, Home Avenue, McGhee Street, and Everett Hill. He also took over overseeing property acquisition of the Foothills Redevelopment Area for the development of Maryville Commons. He spoke with enthusiasm about the programs that deal with the children who live in the Authority housing. Preceded in death by: Parents, H.G. & Edna Kidd Judkins; First Wife, Polly Davis Judkins; Brother-in-law, Robert Sowders. Survivors include: Wife, Carol Neal Judkins; Sons & Daughters-in-law, Greg & Michelle Judkins, Jeff & Shannon Judkins, and Ky and Jennifer Neal; Grandchildren, Samantha Neal, Sydney Neal, Gina Judkins, Gaston Judkins, Max Neal, Chelsie Boring, Alex Day, and Kyle Day; Great-Granddaughter, Abbigail Curtis; Sisters Ellen Ann (Anna) Sowders and Polly Tipton; Brother, Tom Judkins & wife Linda; Niece, Mary Mullins; Nephew, John Judkins; Great-Nephews, Aidan Mullins and Dylan Ball. Funeral service will be at 7:00 PM, Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Smith Trinity Chapel with Rev. John Franklin officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 20, 2012 at Grandview Cemetery for the interment. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William Judkins please visit our Sympathy Store.