William Jarand (Bill) Coyne

William Jarand (Bill) Coyne, 81 years old of Brentwood, Tennessee passed away peacefully into God’s care on January 25, 2025, at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. His wife Cathy was by his side. He also had been surrounded by his loving family all week.

William was born on December 2, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida to his mother Mildred Jarand Coyne, father and namesake, William Coyne. He graduated from Fort Knox High School where he played football and ran track, while also becoming an Eagle Scout. He went on to attend and graduate from Western Kentucky University where he joined and participated in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity (SAE). Through the years, he remained active as an alumni retaining many of those SAE friendships even today. 

He married Catherine (Cathy) Smith on July 5th, 1968, in St. Louis, Missouri. They just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Bill was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in the Army’s 545th Military Police Company, 1st Air Cavalry Division. He received a Purple Heart, Air Medal, and several other medals while he was serving in the Army. He was a people person from birth, which fit perfectly for his chosen career as a salesman. He retired in 2008 from Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI). 

Bill, a devoted father and passionate sports enthusiast, found joy in coaching and cheering on all three of his sons as they pursued their athletic talents, most notably soccer and track. Bill was very proud of his grandson's and oldest granddaughter's creative abilities. His personality & enthusiasm often led to him being called the “life of the party”. He took that energy into his retired life where he was active in many organizations. He was a member of the Brentwood United Methodist Church, the Middle Tennessee Fly Fishers, member and a past President of the Brentwood Rotary Club, and he was an active member of American Legion Post 5. 

Besides enjoying his clubs, family and friends, he loved cooking, fly fishing, reading and outdoor activities. He devoted a large part of his retirement to Project Healing Waters, a non-profit organization which helps active military service personnel and disabled veterans in need through a dedicated curriculum of fly fishing. During his tenure with Healing Waters, Bill had the honor of serving as the PHWFF Regional Coordinator. During his time as coordinator with Healing Waters the region developed and grew to its current size, (nine programs stretching across the state) and helped hundreds of disabled veterans receive a new lease on their lives. Bills’ love and pride for his family, however, stood above all his achievements. 

The center of Bill’s life was faith, family and friends. He had a kind heart, never met a stranger, and had a positive attitude. He loved the outdoors, travel and adventures. He had an infectious smile and enthusiasm that many may remember. He was one of the patriotic soldiers & proud Americans that served his country overseas in the Vietnam War and was fortunate enough to have returned home. He was grateful and he enjoyed spending his time with family, friends and others. He lived long enough to know all 3 grandchildren, who, like his own children, often brought him the biggest smiles, deepest joy, pride, and gratitude. 

William is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 56 years, Cathy Coyne; his sons Kenny Coyne, Jeff Coyne (Erin), and Cliff Coyne (Courtney Giles); his grandchildren Taylor Coyne, Caroline Coyne, Chelsea Coyne; his brother Larry Coyne (Betty); nephew Chad Coyne (Julie); niece Lauren (Coyne) Ingold; sister-in-law Ellie Saitta (Steve); and his nephews Scott Saitta (Mel Treichler), Josh Saitta (Jamie), along with many special friends and family members. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given in Bill’s name to: 

Project Healing Waters - go to ProjectHealingWaters.org. Ways to support. Donate now 

Brentwood Rotary Club Charitable Foundation 

SAE Kentucky Beta , Western Kentucky University 

Brentwood United Methodist Church 

Tennessee State Veterans Home - Murfreesboro

The family of William Coyne wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Tennessee State Veterans Home and their staff, The Fisher House in Murfreesboro, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital and a special thanks to all the staff at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, TN. Also a special thanks to several Murfreesboro individuals that assist Veterans and their families.

A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held at 3PM Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, 3009 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37064. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service.