Legend and Legacy
I first met Billy in a voting line back in 2005. I had long heard his name in healthcare as one of the healthcare "legends" in town. Someone who had the gift of connecting with anyone, at any level, at any time. He was one part business wit one part kind heart all wrapped up in southern charm. His talents were (and still) regarded as legendary status. My first sit down with him was at his favorite golf venue, discussing mutual backgrounds and where the opportunities will surface for the future of Nashville and the healthcare industry. From that day on, I can't tell you how many times I've thought: "WWBD"..."What WOULD Billy DO in this situation? How would he handle it?"
He was a professional mentor for me, and was the first candidate 'investor' I called for a startup I helped shape off the ground. We want on to exit that successfully, however, the true form of his legacy came in two forms to my family. When Hunt was diagnosed I would send out weekly updates of our progress..Billy was always one of the first 20 execs to respond. He always offered up a kind word, a lunch date and anything else I needed to get our family down the recovery road. The other was after Ronn's Stage 4 diagnosis...he became the shoulder that my brother and I could lean (and in some cases) cry on. Billy's winning battle with cancer became the beacon for Ronn's survival and allowed another Hollis to ask "WWBD" :).
Billy and his family have endured so much hardship in their life but have never strayed from being stewards of hope, survival and love in our community. His life is a legacy we must celebrate and learn from.
I view LinkedIn as a professional platform for knowledge sharing, idea creation and connection. None of which would be available to me with out the mentoring of Billy. This post is a personal one after his passing but his professional legacy lives on thru so many individual, company and industry success stories that I thought worth sharing.
I'm confident my "WWBD" moments will be a guided legacy for me (and many others) as we continue down the professional and personal paths of life.
Senior Vice President, JE Dunn Construction
7 年Thanks for sharing!! Billy had it all when it came to charisma and class. What a great friend and mentor! I know heaven is a better place with Billy around. "Don't let the punchline get in the way of a good joke"
Well said brother - Billy's laugh, insight, and heart for others were second to none. Thanks for sharing with our LI community just a few examples of how he helped us both. We should all remember to do the same for others...'cause that's WBWD.
Chief Operating Officer
7 年Great stuff, Mike.
Board member and investor
7 年Very kind words. Billy was a friend and colleague for 22 years. I saw him just a few months before his death and in true Billy form, he had me laughing. We attend the same church and I was grateful to be able to hear him eulogized. It was a packed service with many tears and laughs.
Risk Management Specialist at IOA
7 年Wish I had the opportunity to know him Mike! Very kind words and they much more coming from you.