Bill Markham passed away in the early morning hours of Monday April 15, 2019. His daughter Mandy posted this on Facebook: “He’s free. No more #ALS. No more pain. My very favorite person in all the world is now my very favorite #angel. “
Here is my video tribute to Bill’s life and career.
I owe a lot to Bill. He was one of the first people to welcome me at WRCB Channel 3 when I began working there in 1987. He suggested my family relocate to the home we still live in today. He even suggested I write a book about Chattanooga radio and television, which ended up enriching my life in many ways.
1970s TV Guide ad with Bill Markham at Channel 31 in Huntsville
Bill was a veteran of the US Navy. He began his career in radio in his home state of Alabama, in Guntersville, Albertville, and Montgomery. He later switched to television, reporting and anchoring in Montgomery, Huntsville, Paducah, West Palm Beach, Baltimore, and Nashville.
Pat Boone with Bill Markham
Bill waged a strong battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
Bill retired in 2009, and he and his wife Gail enjoyed his retirement. You may remember numerous Holiday Vacation cruises, in which Bill hosted local travelers on journeys near and far. I did not see Bill very often in recent years, but we kept up on Facebook, and since we were both old Alabama boys, we shared a love for the Crimson Tide.
Dan Rather, Cindy Sexton and Bill Markham in New York, 1981
My co-anchor Cindy Sexton worked with Bill even before their WRCB days (he came first, and recruited her two years later). She put together a terrific story about Bill’s life and ALS.
Bill was a joy to work with. Always smiling, sharing slightly off-color jokes with a twinkle in his eye. He was our go-to for everything automobile-related, since his off-air hobby was buying, selling, and even racing cars. I worked with him for more than twenty years, and there was never a bad day. I hope you’ll keep Bill’s family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time. To watch my story that aired at the end of Bill’s WRCB career, please click below.
Here is a fun chat with Bill and his WRCB friends Paul Barys, Greg Glover and me just before his retirement. There are some good stories shared here:
Here is a post from Bill’s son Matt Markham, posted on Facebook April 13, 2019:
Yesterday was one of the hardest days in my life, and more will be coming in a handful of days. Knowing my dad’s health was in rapid decline, over the past few months I have been preparing myself mentally to say goodbye. I wanted to tell him how special he is, how much I appreciated all of the lessons he has taught me, apologize for the (debatable number of) times I acted like a sh!thead, but most importantly tell him I love him.
Last night we sat alone in his bedroom and had that talk. We laughed, we cried, and we both gave each other a little more of the strength we need to get through this. I am now closer to accepting that in a few short days my dad will only live in our hearts and stories. There won’t be any more halftime and post-game phone calls to discuss what Bama did right and wrong. When I have a question about life, he won’t be there to give me advice but point out that he can’t tell me what decision I should make. Waffle House visits will have a little more meaning. My father, my hero, and my closest friend will no longer be a short drive or a phone call away.
I want to pray and beg God for another day with him, but I don’t. I know what dad wants, and I want the same for him. I am ready for his suffering to be over and for his next set of wings to be pinned on. He will be the first to tell you that he has lived a wonderful life, but even that is an understatement. Dad has lived the life of a dozen people, and has the stories, photos, posters, and friends to back them up. I have always compared his journeys and tales to a mix between “Forrest Gump” and “Big Fish”. He just always seemed to be a step ahead and in the perfect place at the perfect time. There is also an added peace in knowing there is a long line of characters forming at the Pearly Gates preparing to welcome their newest incoming member and old friend.
If you have a moment today, say a prayer for us. Pray for my dad to struggle no more. Pray for our family to have strength. Pray for a cure for ALS. Also, for those of you that know dad, say a prayer and give thanks for the wonder gift we have been given in him. The world is losing a special man, but Heaven will be gaining a special angel. (Matt Markham)
Bill leaves behind his Gail, his wife of 35 years, five children and fourteen grandchildren. Click here to read his obituary.
My heart and prayers are with Bill and his family!!! I lived in Chattanooga during the time he and Cindy did the news!!! Great man!!
My husband just passed away April 2nd from this terrible disease, age 48. God bless him and his family during this time.
Tracie, my heart hurts for you and your husband was so young. This disease is so cruel. With love and prayers for you and your family, Gail Markham. (Bills wife)
VERY sorry to hear the news. Such a terrible disease. My sister and I lost our mother to ALS a few years ago here in Chattanooga. We started creating awareness by holding the cities largest cornhole tournament known as the Chattanooga Cornhole Classic. This year our event is on Saturday June 1st at the First TN Pavilion at 2pm. Anybody that is interested can visit http://www.driveoutals.com or simply call me at 423-704-9402. Our event grows each year and we will continue to fight ALS every year! Sorry again for your news and hopefully we can all fight this together! Jason Hill, 423-704-9402
I am so very sorry to hear about Bill. Remember he and Gail coming in to Kinkos for me to assist them with special projects. Always loved to watch him on Channel 3 news. My dad also had ALS and passed away at 54 years old. Not easy then and now that dreadful disease. God bless Bill and his family.
So sad for Bill and the family! He was a person who had the greatest personality never at a loss for words, a sense of humor and that twinkle in his eye. Kind, caring thoughtful generous and gentle! I loved his humor, his sense of enthusiasm and I don’t have enough words to describe this special man and I pray that he will be as comfortable as possible during this time of pain and sadness and God Will provide to him and his family the peace that passes understanding as he leaves for a place, no more pain and suffering. Walking those streets of gold with all those who are waiting to welcome him. Although he won’t be with his family physically, he will always be with you in your heart and beautiful memories! Nothing can ever take that away! I send to each of you peace, blessings and love ! I lost my husband of 58 years 7 months ago horrible suffering so I am still learning how to walk the path alone but know I could never bring him back to suffer! So I am new to this grief but know great love for someone you love so much will help you. Always remember how much he loved you and your precious memories! Hugs and blessings to you!!??♥️
Praying for Bill and his family and so sorry to hear he is battling this horrible disease as I know how awful it is, I lost my son at 49 years old on Christmas Day 2014. I pray a cure will someday be available. Love and prayers for your whole family. ??????
My heart goes out to the Markham family as they wait that moment that will come, and as they have those precious moments during the coming days. In some ways it is easier to say goodbye when you have had the blessing to prepare mentally for the inevitable. As one who was able to have the time to wrap my head around the idea of the impending loss of a loved one and the loss of my 32 year old, both parents, and then losing son in an auto accident, being able to prepare was by far the least painful. My thoughts and prayers will be with the Markham family and close friends during this difficult time.
WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN. BEAUTIFUL SMILE ALWAYS
HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
So sorry to hear about Bill,he always had that great smile! Prayers for the family!
I never met Mr.Markham personally but I watched him on tv ?. I felt like I knew him because he had a way of doing the news that made you feel like you were a old friend.
When he retired I felt like I was losing a old friend. I was happy knowing he would retire and spend time with his family.
I am praying for his family and him. Amen. Just remember you will see him again and y’all are blessed with a angel watching over y’all.
I am so sorry for your loss. This disease doesn’t have a age limit or gender limit.
My youngest brother went through this and passed away at 48!
Prayers for you and your family for the coming days and for his TV family and friends!
Hugs to all!
He was always such a wonderful man to everybody he met and he would do anything for everybody he will make you laugh and tell stories make you cry he was always there for each and every person and I always like talking to him
So sorry to hear of losing Bill. But rejoicing that he’s no longer suffering. The long Chattanooga broadcasting tenures of Bill, Cindy, David and others indicates two major things to me: they are so professional & popular that high viewer ratings provide job security AND they love our area and its people so much they don’t want to live anywhere else. RIP, Bill.
I had the great pleasure of working with Bill at WRCB in the mid-80’s. I was just starting my career in television news as a kid still in college. Bill took me under his wing and gave me great advice. He also gave me clothes he no longer needed. I was the only kid at UTC that looked like a TV anchorman. I still have a pair of Tony Lama cowboy boots that he gave me. Only now with holes in the bottom since I’ve worn them so many years. Bill is the man that gave me my nickname in the 80’s, Skooter. He saw a car with Skooter written on the side and decided that Michael would now be called Skooter. I was not asked if I liked it. I was told that’s who I was. That was 1985 and I am now 54. Most people only know me as Skooter to this day. I will always be Skooter and thank Bill Markham for that. We had so many laughs working together. I could go on forever talking about what a great friend he was to me and so many others. Bill will be greatly missed by so many that knew him on television and in life. RIP Bill. Love, Skooter with a “K”.
We all loved Bill Markham – he was a great guy – watched him every night. Sending prayers to his family . He is in a better place.
I grew up in and around the Chattanooga area. Bill Markham, came into our home via the news every week day. You could tell by listening to his reports, that he was a caring person. He touched many lives. I now live in Arizona. I feel sadness, and a feeling that we all lost a good friend.
Bill’s family and friends are in my prayers.
As I recall, he and Cindy brought WRCB from a distant third place in the news market to the top. I met Bill once and he was as nice as everyone says. God bless the family. We donate to ALS research.
My condolences to you David. He will be missed. It was an honor to work with him for even a short time. Im sending all my love and prayers out to my old Channel 3 family at this time. Miss you all. “Prompter Girl”.
I used to live in Hixson and worked at the Signal Mt. Rd KMart. I guess it being so close to the WRCB station Bill used to shop there some times and he was so nice. Will never forget this nice man.
Bill Markham will be missed, channel 3 is like family to me. I would sit and wait for the news, to see Bill and Cindy. Bill’s beautiful smile and sweetness, I still watch channel 3. May Bill rest in peace God is watching over him and his family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Markham family and friends. I had the pleasure working with Bill Markham in 2001-2002 when I was a Production Assistant Studio Camera Operator at WRCB-3. He was a great anchor and person and I have several great memories of things that Bill did when getting ready for a newscast. Bill will be missed by many as he made an impact on many peoples lives in the Tennessee Valley.
i’m the guy in the picture with Bill at Bethel Golf Tournament. I grew to love Bill the more I got to know him over the years. He was always so helpful and totally involved with our mutual commitment to help Bethel and the kids however we could. Good humored and creative, energetic and kind, obviously enjoying making a serious difference in the lives of so many young kids who had been dealt poor hands, I knew we were spiritual brothers. If I’m not mistaken, he bought my marked up Bible when we auctioned it off; I knew he didn’t need it because he had his own–but it was yet another contribution he could make for “the kids”. I look forward to seeing him again, and I’m sure I will. PAT BOONE
Pat, you are well remembered for your many contributions to our young people in Chattanooga. Bill’s family will be honored to know that you took the time to write about your friendship with him. This photo is in my book “Chattanooga Radio and Television” and it is one of my all-time favorites. Thank you, David Carroll
Wonderful tribute! We will all miss Bills smiling face.The comments from Pat Boone very sweet and thoughtful.Really enjoyed both.
Thank you for these tributes.They mean a lot.
I worked at WRCB 20 years ago in advertising sales. One day I took a customer out for lunch at Southern Restaurant on Dayton Blvd. I noticed Bill Markham was already there eating lunch alone. Bill was a very popular and highly visible local personality so I thought I’d ask Bill to stop by the table on his way out and I could introduce Bill to my client.. I would be a hero to my client I thought. So I walked over to Bill’s table and explained the situation.. He looked at me with a serious face and said, ‘Jaimie, I’m trying to eat here!’ My eyes opened really big as I was apologizing to Bill then he laughed and said he was just kidding and would be happy to say hello. It’s a memory I’ll never forget.. RIP Bill!
Class, humanity, and dignity sum up Mr.Markham.
God bless everyone that shared his love.
Thank you for this tribute to Bill Markham. I did not know Bill personally but, like most people who grew up in the TN Valley, I FELT like I knew him. I do have a fond memory of him.
“Back in the day” my husband and I worked at RX-107 Positive Hits radio in East Ridge. What was their studio is now the Studio of J-103. Imagine my surprise when Bill walked in to the reception area. The couple who owned RX-107 had experienced a house fire, and he had come by with a bunch of suits on hangers for the gentleman. I’ve never forgotten that kind gesture.
Our condolences to Gail and the rest of his big family. May the God of all comfort, comfort you.
Warmly,
Sarah (and Roy) McCollum