Bill Gattis (known as Papa by most folks) was born in Chattanooga, TN.  He enlisted in the Army Air Corps at age 17.  He proudly served his country for 22 years in bases all over the country, including setting up the Air Force Base fire department in Alaska.  He spent several tours of duty serving in Japan, Korea, France, and England.  After an honorable career in the Air Force, he continued serving as a fireman at Lockheed for 23 years.  He worked his entire life protecting people and was proud of his country.

Bill was greeted at Heaven's gates by his parents Ulysses and Nora Gattis, his sisters, Mary Katherine Patten, Fay Shaver, and his twin sister, Bettye Blaylock.  His beautiful granddaughter Kayla Rae Gattis had the privilege of escorting Papa into his eternal home.

Bill is survived by the love of his life - his beautiful wife May their four children and their spouses: Tim and Tammy Gattis, Louise and Ted Sommers, Sarah and Kam Patel, and Terry and Dan Byrne.  Their grandchildren : Kristopher and Kameron Patel, Alyssa Gattis, Allison Sommers, and Chad and Ryan Shirley.  He has 6 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.  Bill is also survived by his baby sister, Martha Sue Depratter of Conroe, TX.

Bill's favorite thing to do was to spend time with his family.  He enjoyed going to the Braves games with his kids, hanging out with his family and telling stories.  He loved to watch his grandsons play baseball.  He always became the center of attention at family get-togethers and was still sitting at the "kids" table at 87 years old!  Papa had a kind spirit about him and was always willing to help anyone anytime.  Papa always had a pocketful of candy and was affectionately known as the candy man to a lot of people.  He was very proud of the family he raised and can now enjoy heaven knowing his tasks on earth are completed.

He was a faithful member of St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Marietta, GA.  Celebration of Bill's amazing life will be held at his church on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 2:00 PM.  Burial will follow at Georgia Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, March 5, from 2:00-5:00 PM at Marietta Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.mariettafuneralhome.org.

Well done good and faithful servant.