Dr. Bill DeJournett

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Dr. William Ned DeJournett, lovingly known as Bill, Dr. D, Dr. Bill or Slice passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, after a brief battle with gallbladder cancer. He died at home, surrounded by his family and beloved pets.

Bill was born on November 19, 1967, in Tallahassee. He grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas and Americus. Georgia. He attended Jacksonville State University, where he was a proud member of the Marching Southerners. He graduated in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. During that time, he also marched with two world-class drum corps, Spirit of Atlanta and Phantom Regiment. His experiences in those organizations shaped his lifelong passion for creativity and music.

Bill went on to earn both a master’s degree and doctorate in music, building his first career in university bands. Throughout his distinguished career, he taught at Colorado State University, Elon University, and University of Mississippi, leading thousands of students in performances at major bowl games, parades, and countless NCAA tournaments. He profoundly impacted the lives of many students through his mentorship, leadership, and unwavering encouragement.

While at Ole Miss, Bill pursued a second master’s degree in journalism. His journalism background and lifelong love of pizza led him into a second career as editor of PMQ Pizza Magazine following his retirement from university bands.

That second chapter brought him to Chattanooga, where he met the love of his life, Dr. Jennifer Shank. Bill later relocated to Cookeville to build a life with Jennifer and his stepson, Harrison. There, he embraced a third career as recruiter and advisor for the College of Fine Arts at Tennessee Technological University, where he guided hundreds of art, music, and theatre students toward achieving their dreams of graduation.

Bill loved the Atlanta Braves and rarely missed a game if he could help it. He adored his pets and loved his wife and child beyond measure. Bill and Jenn shared countless adventures together and could often be found laughing over one of their wonderfully ridiculous ideas. Though his time here was far too short, his kindness, joy, humor, and love will continue to live on in all who knew him.

In addition to Jennifer and Harrison, Bill is survived by his father, Ned DeJournett; his sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Keith Pillow; his father- and mother-in-law, Janet and Bill Shank Sr.; his brother- and sister-in-law, Bill and Cassie Shank; and his nephews and niece, Andrew Willis, William Shank III, and Hazel Shank. He is also survived by Woodward, Beatrice, Maple, and the other fuzzy creatures (It was mandatory that Woodward make the obit)

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on June 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, with a gathering in his honor immediately following at Father Tom's Pub. In lieu of flowers there is a scholarship has been created in memory of Bill at TTU. To donate https://www.tntech.edu/univadv/giving/online-giving.php and put Bill’s name in the donation line or call 931-372-3016. The scholarship will be awarded to a music education major involved in Drum Corps to continue to keep Bill’s passion and spirit alive.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.