William Walker (Bill) Motley

William Walker Motley-Musician and Educator-Bill Motley, Age 93, passed away peacefully September 1, 2005 at his residence in the Wesley Woods Towers in Atlanta, GA.. Mr. Motley was preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Ellen L. Motley. He was born in Tuskegee, Alabama and moved with his family to Miami, Florida in the 1920's. He graduated from Miami Senior High in 1928. He then left for New York City to pursue his musical career during the era of big swing dance bands. A musician, Bill played lead saxophone and clarinet in professional big bands for over 75 years. As a member of the notable swing band led by Claude Thornhill, Bill toured throughout the country during the 1930's and early 40's. This band was broadcast live across the U.S. over network radio. His dance bands entertained guests at hotels and clubs in cities from New York to California. During WWII, Motley served his country as an Ensign in the Merchant Marines as a Radio Officer aboard Liberty ships crossing the North Atlantic bringing vital supplies to the war effort. After the war, he enrolled in the University of Miami, earning his degree in Music Education. He continued playing in bands at nightclubs and hotels in Miami and Miami Beach. After graduation he was the band director at Kinloch Park Junior High in Miami for 25 years. His students excelled from his instruction and example. Over the years his students returned often and thanked him for his guidance during their youth. After retirement from the public schools he continued playing and recording professionally in big bands throughout the South Florida area. His bands accompanied many top vocalists and celebrities such as Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis and Tony Bennett to name a few of many. He played in the Jackie Gleason Orchestra for his network TV show broadcast from Miami Beach. He was also a member of the Fred Shannon Smith and the Clubman Band in the 1970's and Frank Hubbell Moonlighters during the 1980's and 90's. This band was broadcast many times over WKAT in Miami. At 86, he and his wife relocated to Wesley Woods in Atlanta to be near their family. They were lifelong members of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Miami. Mr. Motley is survived by his two sons and daughters in law, Dr. William W. Motley and Marilyn Motley of Conyers, and Robert H. Motley and Jeanne Motley of Roswell. Mr. Motley had four grandchildren, Walker, Bryan, Sarah Motley and Rebecca Meredith; and five great grand children. The funeral will be held at Sandy Springs United Methodist Church, 86 Mt. Vernon Rd., at 11:00AM. on Wednesday, September 7th. Burial will be at Arlington Cemetery in Sandy Springs. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Wesley Woods Towers, 1825 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329. The family will receive visitors Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at A.S. Turner & Sons.