Bill Kotas

Mr. William Eric Kotas, age 74, of Nashville, TN, passed away at his home on June 12,2021.

Bill was born in Astoria, NY on April 24, 1947, to the late William Kotas and Frances Burden Kotas. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Fordham University on a full scholarship. Bill was in ROTC and subsequently became a member of the military fraternity known as the Pershing Rifles Drill Team. Many lifelong friendships developed there. He proudly served his country in the United States Army where he graduated Paratrooper and Ranger Schools. Bill also served a tour in Vietnam where he was combat wounded. He was awarded a purple heart, national defense medal, parachute badge, Vietnam service medal W/1 campaign star, republic of Vietnam campaign medal W/60 device, bronze star medal W/”V” device 1st oak leaf cluster, combat infantryman’s badge, 1 overseas service bar.  He was a retired postal carrier, nature and wedding photographer, fourth degree Knight of Columbus, and founding member of St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church. Bill taught adult education on Sundays for several years and participated in RCIA. He was a member of the Nashville Photography Club, where he taught a class on basic photography for 19 years.

Survivors include his wife and love of his life for 48 years, Terry A. Kotas, son, William “Will” August Kotas, daughter in law, Charlotte Kotas, granddaughter, Sylvia Kotas, and one brother Ed (Jeanette) Kotas.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, St. Jude Children's Hospital of Memphis, or Second Harvest Food Bank.

Visitation with the Kotas family will begin on Friday, June 18, 2021 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm with services to be held at 10: 30 am on Saturday, June 19, 2021 St. Ignatius of Antioch, 601 Bell Road, Antioch, TN.