"I'm just the messenger," Bill Williams told the crowd that was gathered at the John Tarleton Home for Children to honor his service to the children of Knox County. County Mayor Mike Ragsdale hosted a ceremony to rename the administration building in Williams' honor. Ragsdale cited Williams' service to children through the Mission of Hope, the Children's Miracle Network, and the long-running Monday's Child program. There were strong nods of agreement from the crowd of family and friends when Ragsdale called Williams "one of Knox County's treasures, a gem, a true hero." Those sentiments were echoed by T.J. Demar, who like so many others, became an adoptive parent through the Monday's Child program. Williams was obviously moved by the event and the heartfelt accolades from the Mayor, Demar, and colleagues from WBIR. Williams thanked his wife Wanda, and humbly spoke of "the real heroes" that he said are "the foster parents, the adoptive parents, the social workers, and others like PTA volunteers, who show these children love." In addition to unveiling the new building name (Bill Williams Administration Building), Mayor Ragsdale also proclaimed August 6, 2008, as Bill Williams Day in Knox County.
- Slideshow (click here)
- WBIR's video of the event (click here)
