William Clay “Billy” Rochelle
March 5, 1994 – October 8, 2022

Billy was born in Nashville, TN and raised in Nunnelly, TN, on his family’s farm. A simple man, not much made Billy happier than farming, spending time with his family and friends, and worshipping the Lord. Billy was a fifth generation farmer and loved farming with his dad, whom he greatly looked up to, along with his grandfather.

Billy was full of life, never met a stranger, and could smile and laugh during the hardest of circumstances. He was hard working, resilient, and full of faith every day of his life.

Throughout his years on earth, Billy was a passionate advocate for agriculture. He was greatly involved and excelled in 4-H, fulfilling top leadership roles on State 4-H Council, earning state-level awards, and attending National 4-H Congress. He was involved in the Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers and served on Hickman County’s Farm Bureau Board as Chairman of the Young Farmers and Ranchers. Billy truly loved all things agriculture and enjoyed giving back to his community in any way he could. He donated to the 4-H Foundation, his church, and other organizations annually. He loved serving others.

He attended college at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, served as a UT Agriculture Ambassador, was a Farm Credit Scholar, worked in the UTK Chancellor’s office, served on the TN 4-H Foundation Board of Directors, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Resource Economics on top several other accolades. He loved sports, primarily football and basketball, and he was over the moon anytime the UT Vols won a game. He attended the Church of Christ at Nunnelly and then the Centerville Church of Christ in which he led prayers, attended Sunday school classes, and took part in fellowship anytime he had the opportunity.

Billy was 28 years old when he died doing what he loved: farming. He was a wonderful Christian, husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife Ericka Ragland Rochelle, his daughter Harlyn Ruth Rochelle (4 months), his parents Danny and Cheryl Rochelle, his sister Lindsey Rochelle Hensley and brother-in-law Kevin Hensley, his nieces Mattie Elizabeth Hensley (5 years) and Martha Rochelle Hensley (2 years), his best friend Justin Crowe, and his long-time coworker Fernando Sandoval, along with so many other family members and friends.

Visitation will take place Thursday, October 13, 2022  from 5:00 – 7:00 PM with a Celebration of Life to follow at the McDonald Funeral Home – Hickman County. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Billy Rochelle Memorial Fund within the Tennessee 4-H Foundation.

Donations can be made online at https://tn4hfoundation.org/donate. Checks can be made payable to the Tennessee 4-H Foundation and mailed to 2621 Morgan Circle, 205 Morgan Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996. Please mention the Billy Rochelle Memorial Fund on the check.