Print Issue: October 3, 2002

Deacon Timme Of Holy Cross Church Dies At 73

Deacon Bill Timme

By Erika Anderson, Staff Writer

ATLANTA - Deacon Bill Timme had a deep love for his wife and family and a special penchant for instruction manuals.

When he died Sept. 20, the 73-year-old left behind a legacy of serving others, enough to create his own handbook for how to live a Christ-centered life.

On Sept. 23 at Holy Cross Church, family and friends gathered for his funeral Mass. Ordained in the diaconate class of 1987, his funeral was attended by over 25 deacons and many priests. Msgr. Paul Fogarty, pastor of Holy Cross, and Father Dan Fleming, administrator of St. Mary Magdalene Mission in Sharpsburg, concelebrated the Mass.

"We are here to celebrate what was obviously a very special person," Msgr. Fogarty said. "While there is sadness, there is also joy, for we know that Bill lived a good life and is continuing to live and is being rewarded for his love and his faithfulness . . . Obviously he touched many lives."

His friend for over 32 years, Deacon James Stewart, gave the homily. In his reflection he said that his friend's trademark was the "sparkle in his eye," as well as his great love for his wife of 52 years, Mary Ellen, and their children.

"Quality time is a cheap word," Deacon Stewart said addressing Deacon Timme's four daughters and two sons. "But he was always there, available in spirit wherever you were and whenever you needed him."

Deacon Timme loved a good story and had a very analytical mind, Deacon Stewart said. Those who knew him often joked about the way he devoured instruction manuals that came with new purchases. First and foremost, Deacon Stewart said, his friend was dedicated to serving others.

"He always listened to the service theme . . . how we as deacons could better serve the people and better serve the church," he said.

John Timme, the youngest son of Deacon William Timme, returns his father's Bible to the casket after speaking about his father at his funeral Mass. Timme talked about how his father taught him about love, reading from 1 Corinthians, chapter 13. William Timme had served the Archdiocese of Atlanta as a deacon since 1987. (Photo by Michael Alexander)

In addition to his extensive volunteer service at St. Joseph's Hospital, Deacon Timme also served every Tuesday at the Metropolitan Tribunal of the archdiocese, hearing cases being considered for annulment.

"He enjoyed helping people over rough spots and people who are having marital problems are having a rough time," Deacon Stewart said. "He loved helping them."

His friend always had a Bible on his lap and was "serious about his faith," Deacon Stewart said.

"He was honest, true, loyal, faithful and spiritual," he said. "Bill had a special trinity in his life . . . the Holy Eucharist, sacred Scripture and community . . . Those came through over and over again in his life."

Following Communion, Deacon Timme's sons spoke about their father. His youngest son, John, said that words were inadequate. Instead he read from the often-quoted first Corinthians' verse that the greatest gift is love. His father gave that gift constantly and selflessly.

"There is no gift that we can give each other greater than love," he said. "And now I have that forever, not only for me, but for my wife, for my family, for my friends and for my enemies."

Deacon Timme's eldest son, Stephen laughingly called his family a "'Leave it to Beaver' family" and said that his father's greatest love was his wife, who was the last person he saw before he died.

"I can't think of a better way to prepare Dad for the beautiful gates of heaven than to see the most beautiful thing on earth, and that's my Mom," he said.

Msgr. Fogarty said that Deacon Timme was committed to serving. "He was a good man, and was very dedicated to helping a lot of people."

Msgr. David Talley, the judicial vicar of the archdiocese, called Deacon Timme an "extraordinary man."

"He came down every Tuesday and read a case and did an interview, interviewing the petitioner about their broken marriage," he said. "Deacon Bill and his wife would also offer us, part of the Tribunal staff, to go to his house for friendship and fellowship . . . It was a wonderful time, just to watch the love between (Deacon Timme and Mary Ellen) and the way they both just radiated God's love."

In addition to his wife and sons, Deacon Timme is survived by four daughters, Ellen Dilbeck of Conyers, Paula Mansapit of Lawrenceville, Judy Parris of Atlanta and Lea Monroe of Marietta; two brothers, Robert of Loganville and Teddy of Louisville, Ky.; a sister, Doris Towles of Jeffersonville, Ind.; and 11 grandchildren.