Obituary: Billy Joe Attkisson

Billy Joe Attkisson, age 83, of Oak Ridge, passed away Tuesday, January 27, at Methodist Medical Center. He was affectionately known as Catman.

He was born December 10, 1931, in Lawrence County, Tennessee, the middle child of Clyde Dixon Attkisson and Louise Elizabeth Holt Attkisson.

Mr. Attkisson served with the U.S. Army from 1952-1954.

He retired in 1987 from the City of Oak Ridge, working as a supervisor in the utilities division.

He was a long-time member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge #1316 and very active on their golf and billiards teams and won numerous Sportsman of the Year awards. He was also active with the Senior Center and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 3559.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Grover Attkisson and Betty Ellison Attkisson, the mother of his children.

He is survived by son, Roger D. Attkisson and spouse, David of Washington, D.C.; daughter, Lou Anne Attkisson Fritz and husband Ronald of Knoxville; brother, Landon Attkisson and wife Mary of Manchester; sisters, Dean Morris of Oak Ridge, and Bettye Welch and husband Bob of Michigan; two grandchildren, Matthew Fritz and Nathan Fritz; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family received friends on Friday, January 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. with Pastor Keith Robinson officiating.

The family asks that any memorials be made to the Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge #1316, 103 N. Jefferson Circle, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, or to the Senior Center of Oak Ridge, 728 Emory Valley Rd., Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.