[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 150 (Monday, September 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              REMEMBERING SHERIFF WILLIAM ``BILL'' OLDHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2025

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to Shelby 
County Sheriff William ``Bill'' Oldham, who passed on September 4 at 
the age of 75.
  A lifelong Memphian, Sheriff Oldham served for 27 years in the 
Memphis Police Department rising through the ranks from patrolman to 
Police Director. He then was elected to two terms as sheriff and was 
honored by fellow lawmen with the Tennessee Sheriff's Association as 
Sheriff of the Year in 2015. He dedicated his life to law enforcement, 
serving and protecting our community with integrity, professionalism 
and character.
  A longtime parishioner at St. Louis Catholic Church, growing up Mr. 
Oldham attended Nativity, St. Thomas and Memphis Catholic High School 
and then attended what was then called Memphis State University. He was 
a big sports fan and cheered on the Tigers, Cubs and Notre Dame's 
Fighting Irish. He also coached teams at St. Joseph, St. Paul, St. 
Louis and Bishop Byrne.
  His love of children was demonstrated in his treatment of 
incarcerated young people and he never gave up on them. His own three 
children called him ``Chiefy.'' Among his sterling qualities was his 
love of justice and commitment to doing the right thing in an effort to 
make our community a safe place for all.
  I extend my sincere condolences to his wife of 53 years Jean, his 
children Neal, Katie and Beth, his grandchildren and his extended 
family, his law enforcement colleagues, and his many friends. Memphis 
has lost a moral leader. His was a life of service to others and was 
well-lived.
  He will be missed.

                          ____________________