KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Anyone who knows "Straight From The Heart" knows Bill Williams, Anchor Emeritus with WBIR.
“I am God blessed. I really am,” said Bill. “It was kind of an act of fate, or an act of God that brought me here.”
On Tuesday, former and current WBIR employees gathered to unveil a new bench in Fountain City Park, dedicated to Bill to celebrate his 90th birthday. The area was complete with a plaque and his handprints as well as a big star.
“It’s very special. All of my friends and coworkers coming out and joining this, it means an awful lot to me," Bill said.
Bill Williams is a past recipient of the “Silver Circle Award” from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Carson Newman University.
However, no award or honor can compare to the impact Bill Williams had on his community.
“Monday’s Child,” said Bill. “It was a program where we introduced special needs adoptable children and tried to get them adopted. I did that for 30 years.”
There are very few words that can accurately describe the influence Bill had on WBIR.
“Suddenly, I’m on set next to Bill Williams,” said Bob Kesling, the voice of the Vols and former WBIR Sports Director. “Bill was such a professional. He calmed me down and said, 'You can do this.' And when I got done, he said, ‘You did a good job.’”
It’s something Bill doesn’t take for granted.
“WBIR means so very much. It’s home. It’s home," be said.
“He set the bar so high for all of us in the newsroom. You never wanted to disappoint Bill," said Kesling.
WBIR asked Bill how he wanted his community to remember him.
“That he was a good newsman, and that he cared for people," he said.
Bill Williams said to the East Tennesseans who would turn on the TV, and who welcome Bill into their homes, a simple message of gratitude.
“Thank you. Thank you for watching, for listening, for caring," he said. "Thank you.”