TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A beloved community member and former CEO of Wabash Valley Goodwill has died.
William G. Tennis, often called Bill, reportedly died at Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care at the age of 69 on Saturday, Oct. 7.
A Terre Haute native, Tennis began working with Wabash Valley Goodwill in his senior year of high school in 1971, eventually filling the President and CEO role that he retired from in June of 2021.
Current President and CEO of Wabash Valley Goodwill Meredith Osburn said Tennis was instrumental in building WVG to what it is today.
“Tennis worked diligently on improving and expanding Wabash Valley Goodwill’s mission outreach in the Wabash Valley to currently 9 stores that allowed for employment opportunities for those with barriers, which allowed hundreds the opportunity for successful employment,” Osburn said.
While leading the organization, Tennis expanded employment to 200 individuals.
Tennis was also an active member of the Terre Haute Rotary Club.
According to his obituary, Tennis requested no funeral be held, but in celebration of his life the family is planning a reception on what would have been Tennis’ 70th birthday on February 10, 2024.
Memorial contributions are suggested to go to the Bill and Marci Gropp Tennis Fund at the Wabash Valley Community Foundation. More information on contributions can be found online here.
