WILLE P. OSBORNE
 Willie was born in Lafollette, Tennessee. He attended high school in Lafollette and college in Nashville in the early 50’s. While at Tennessee State A&I (now Tennessee State University) he met and later married Clara Cunningham. In 1955, Willie and Clara moved to Morristown, Tennessee. The marriage was blessed with four children: Jacquelyn, Edwin, Warren and Chris. Willie earned his masters degree from the University of Tennessee in 1961.
During his 46 years in Morristown, Willie’s journey was one filled with community service. He had a passion for teaching and serving. He taught bookkeeping, business, typing and shorthand for 16 years. Willie was among the first African American teachers who integrated the schools in the mid 1960’s. He became an administrator for the Hamblen County School Board and was the chief financial officer for 17 years. He retired in 1988 after 33 years of service.
Music was another of Willie’s loves. He was an accomplished keyboard, piano and organ player in church and with the Tyler Green Orchestra. He sang and played even appearing on television. He later founded the “Osborne Combination” a group who performed and entertained for nearly 20 years.
Even after retirement, Willie’s tax and accounting practice served individuals and organizations financial needs. He co-authored a book, Contributions of Blacks to Hamblen County 1786-1996.
Willie’s public service culminated with his election to the Hamblen County Commission (link to picture) (District 1)-the first black commissioner in the county. He was re-elected to several terms resigning only a few weeks before his death. As a commissioner, Willie fought diligently to have the Ten Commandments prominently displayed in the Courthouse and worked for competitive salaries for public safety personnel.
He was passionate about volunteer service over the years, holding a variety of offices and positions including Chairman of the Morristown Housing Authority, president of Boys and Girls Club, past president of the Progressive Business Association, member of the Democratic Party, Honorary Deacon, Organist, Trustee of Bethel Baptist Church, Lifetime Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Lifetime Member of TSU Alumni Association, Knoxville College Board of Directors, Civil Service Board, Charter Member of the Morristown Exchange Club, Rose Center Board of Directors, Tennessee and American Associations of School Business Officials, Past Elder of Lawrence United and First Presbyterian Churches, Morristown-Hamblen Hospital Board of Directors, NAACP, United Way Board.
Throughout his life he still managed to find time to enjoy golfing, hunting, fishing, boating, bowling and traveling. He and Clara visited 48 of the 50 states. He considered his marriage (link to picture) of 46 years, putting four children through college and more importantly his relationship with Christ his proudest accomplishments.
His motto: One person can make a difference.
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