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William “Bill” Thomas Locklear III, 75, of Atlanta, GA, passed away on August 15, 2025, surrounded by his family after an eight-year battle with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).
Born in Chattanooga, TN, on June 30, 1950, to W.T. Locklear Jr. and Louise Jones Locklear, Bill grew up in Hixson, where he developed a lifelong love of horses under the guidance of his grandfather, Dutch Jones. An accomplished athlete, he excelled in football and baseball, earning all-conference honors before playing college football at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. It was there he met Bernadetta “Bernie” Maria Senick, the love of his life.
Bill and Bernie were married for 53 years, building their life together primarily in Atlanta. He began his career at Eastern Air Lines before moving into real estate, the automotive field, and later the home remodeling industry, where he became a successful salesman. Known for his loyalty, humor, and generous spirit, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Bernie; daughters Kimberly Locklear of Atlanta and Kyle (Andrew) Hartman of Marietta, GA; granddaughters James and Hannah Hartman; siblings Jimmy Locklear of Decatur, GA, Debbie Locklear Buchanan of Marietta, GA, and Jody Locklear of Port Townsend, WA; his aunt, Sue Green of Marietta, GA; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Bill will be remembered for his love of family, his faith, his lifelong friendships, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, followed by a reception for family and friends.
Ben Buchanan says
Love you Billy. Going to miss college football Saturday. This is for you. GO VOLS. Rip my friend
Jed Locklear says
Hey Man , I wish I can text you or maybe even more than just a few words. A Phone Call. I’m gonna , so yes , but I’m gonna miss if I haven’t already when you could talk anymore in your Journey suffering from Dementia miss our talks on the Phone . It was funny when it was a moment how I could you or you call me one of us will say I was gonna call you.
Then I’m gonna miss you gonna going around the Dome or the Benz if it is now . Because that’s how funny it’ is of this one too . You would call me or text me about it . Also you remember Logjam lol . People know about or people don’t know about it but I guess it was a form of them saying at the Walmart the stall was broken of the toilet lol. Who know and who knows now we been laughing all the time on that same stupid word for years . But umm let me think. Thank you for the rides to Braves Games , attending two Hawks games, and a lot of I can remember of different sports is that at the Dome now , all the Falcons Games, College Football and High School thanks on that . Thank you for the support on my Eagle Scouts and my Journey with the Braves . I couldn’t do it without your help as in others . Because it was something and currently is with Braves I’ll cherish forever Braves win one more with you here and you being there for Eagle Scout stuff when I was in Scouts when I was away for camp or close by when at the meetings you supported throughout. But at the end of the Day because I’m done here . You were Kind , Handsome, you worked hard, you were Brave , you had poise even tough times early in your life or at the end . As I’m continuing , you also cared for so many and you were so funny considered by Family and Friends . So I when Im gonna finish here completely I send my Condolences to my own Family, Aunt Bernie , Kim , Kyle , James , Hannah , others but only to name the man here, Andrew Hartman . You my man are Family during this loss of your Father in Law. Because you are . Anyways Rip my Man thanks for the Fun , Laughter , Sadness, but the Memories.
Debbie Locklear Buchanan says
Always, my protector, my friend, and oldest brother. What fun memories, from us playing “two on two” games as kids, to riding & showing horses, a variety of sports, and becoming parents and closer friends in adulthood, it has been a wonderful life journey. Thanks for quietly keeping the bond between siblings strong during our adult lives! The times the 4 of us attended Braves Spring Training with Mom are very special. Love you Billy! Bernie, Kimberly, Kyle, Andrew, and James Holmes, my heart felt condolences to each of you! He loved each of you dearly. Cherish your memories. 🙏🏼❤️
Stan Barrett says
Warmest condolences to the whole family, especially to my high school classmate Jimmy. My prayer for Bill is an ancient Christian one: may light perpetual shine upon him. Blessings and peace to all.
Gary Brown says
Well my friend, words are hard to find at the moment, but since we were 5 years old we have been running together. Our all out short stop on the baseball field from 4th grade “Knot Hole” baseball all the way through high school. Super Star athlete at baseball and star running back in football. But even more important that your athletic ability, was your treatment of others. Always encouraging and willing to help others. Your loyalty to friends and family are undeniable. Our group of good ole boys have endured the test of time and we have watched you face this ugly thing called dementia head on just like you have lived your life, with positive attitude and head first. Thank you Bernie for loving and caring for Bill in such a loving and compassionate way. Love to the family. Rest easy my friend, we will meet up again on the other side and maybe, just maybe, play a little ball on the big diamond in Heaven
Buster Evans says
Rest in peace Bill. my condolences to Jimmy and the rest of the family.
May God comfort each of you in this difficult time.
Donna Garrison says
I’m so sorry to hear about this. My condolences to the family. May Billy rest in Peace.
Donna Sampson Garrison.
Belinda Hicks says
Offering my deepest condolences to the family.May your memories bring you peace in the difficult das ahead.
Connie Norwood says
Condolences to each of the Locklear siblings and especially to Bernie and the girls. I remember with such fondness school days with Billy and even riding the same school bus with the Locklear’s. I don’t remember anyone kinder or with a better smile than Billy Locklear. As an adult I had a kitchen wallpaper catastrophe happen when a friend thought they would be a helper. I called Billy up asking for help and he was quite sympathetic but assured me I would have to do it the hard way. So pleasant to catch up with him, though. I am blessed to have known him and to have called him friend. . .
Wayne stansell says
Prayers for the family of Billy he was a couple of years ahead of me, I was in Jimmy’s class and so very sorry for your loss prayers for healing 🙏
David Brown says
I am very sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. I have great memories of our time growing up in Hixson. He was a guy you could lookup to and repect.