William Kohler

William J. "Old Goat" Kohler, 86, of Johnson City passed away Saturday, February 1, 2014 at his residence. He was a native of New York, New York and a son of the late William Kohler and Agnes Kohler Arnett. Mr. Kohler attended Ohio Wesleyan College and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS in industrial engineering, time and motion studies. With his mother's consent, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 16 years of age, where he served 4 years as a meteorologist. Growing up he held part time jobs collecting tokens on street cars and selling seeds for Ferris Morris Company. Mr. Kohler spent his professional career as an account executive with the Trane Company in the East Tennessee area. He was recognized by the company as a top ten salesman numerous times. He was an avid stamp collector and volley ball player and was an accomplished Table tennis player well into his 80's, regularly taking on all comers. Mr. Kohler was an active member of the Johnson City Civitan Club having served in various positions. He was founder of Nolichucky Expeditions, the first full time river rafting experience in East Tennessee. Mr. Kohler was a founding partner of Iron Mountain Christmas Tree Farm which subsequently became a part of the Appalachian Trail system. Bill's philosophy was to friends, associates, competitors and adversaries were "It never hurts to talk. You never know what you might learn." Bill is survived by numerous cousins, four step-children and their mother, Jan Weatherbee of Dilute, Minnesota, caretakers Aaron (The President) and Dylan (Big Boy), as well as many special friends. He will be greatly missed by all. Memorial services for Mr. Kohler will be conducted at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 15th, 2014 in the Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home. Visitation: Saturday - February 15 2014 - 1:00 to 2:00 PM Services: Saturday - 2:00 PM Interment: NRead Obituary