Obituary of William LaFisher Covington

William LaFisher Covington was born April 23, 1953 in Williamson County, Tennessee to the late Mildred Covington and the late Freeman Haddox, both of Williamson County.  He departed his life to be in the presence of the Lord on April 28, 2019 after a long illness. 

William graduated, in the class of 1973, from Pearl High School in Nashville, TN.  He was a member of the Green Street Church of God in Franklin, TN from the time of his conversion.  He was baptized under Pastor Adrian D. Wheeler.  While a member, he worked with the Brotherhood, the Audio Ministry, the Sanctuary Choir, the Sunday School, the Dining Room Staff and attended the church marquee.   

William was employed by the Metro Nashville Water Department, Franklin Trolley Services and Williamson County Ready Mix.  He was also a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union and the Masons. 

William had an intense love for music and tried to learn to play numerous instruments.  He had a special interest in Country Music.  After meeting George Hamilton, V, he jumped into the Country Music experience with the Viva NashVegas TV Show as the Director of Hospitality; an announcer for The Drive South Radio Show; and served as announcer of the Blackberry Jam Music Festival.  He was also very proud of serving as the Santa Claus in the Franklin, TN Christmas Parade.

William was recently commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by the Honorable Stephen L. Beshear, Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  The title of Kentucky Colonel is the “highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky which is given by the Governor and the Secretary of State to individuals as recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or nation.”  He was affectionately called Colonel William Covington in the Country Music world.

William had a life long desire to attend and graduate from college.  He attended Columbia State Community College where he maintained a 4.29 grade point average and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.  William was awarded the Caroline Allred Recognition Award for being an outstanding student and the Columbia State Community College Award of Excellence.   He completed all course requirements to graduate today, Saturday, May 4, 2019 with a Certification in Hospitality and Tourism Management.  

William was a stranger to no one and had enough love for everyone.  He was one of the friendliest and funniest people you would ever meet.  He had a special affection for the Green St. Church family, the Viva NashVegas TV Show family and the Drive South Radio Show family.  William really exemplified “If I can help somebody along the way…” then my living shall not be in vain”

William was preceded in death by step father, Thomas Hardison; 2 brothers, Larry Covington and Dale Hardison.

To celebrate and cherish fond memories of his life, William leaves 12 siblings: Dr. Freddie Haddox (Agnes) - Franklin, TN; Thomas J. Hardison, Jr. – Maryland; Nathaniel Bashari (Thelma) – Alabama; Deborah Fuller; Carolyn Haddox;ReNita Hudspeth; Pamela McGee (Fred); Fred L. Hardison; Timothy E. Hardison; Durant Hardison; James Haddox (Elizabeth); and John A. Haddox - Nashville, TN, Aunts & Uncles: Sadie Petway (Gary) – Franklin, TN; Cordy V. Covington – Cincinnati, OH; Fannie Patton (Charles) – Chicago, IL; LaBora Woodard (James); Reba Lane – Norma Wheeler of Nashville, TN; A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; Devoted friends: Annette Williams; Mr. & Mrs. George Hamilton V; George “Nash” Hamilton VI; Marianne Demyers; and Mike Easter; Very special bond with his cousin, Jonathan Wheeler