Mr. William Earl "Bill" Ables, Jr. of Dyersburg passed away Monday April 6, 2026.  Bill was born May 10, 1961, in Nashville, TN, to the late William Earl Ables, Sr. and Mary Wylodean Ables.  He was a 1979 graduate of Milan High School and studied engineering at the University of Mississippi.

He is well regarded in the Dyersburg area for his work as the owner and administrator of Maple Ridge Assisted Living.  Bill was more than a leader—he was the heart of Maple Ridge.  He was a steadfast advocate for every resident, always putting their needs first, and ensuring they were cared for with dignity and compassion. He carried that same respect and care for the staff, creating a place that felt like family.  Bill believed in honesty, even when the truth was hard to hear, and he led with integrity in every decision he made. His knowledge, guidance, and unwavering commitment shaped Maple Ridge into what it is today.

His work supporting the senior members in our community has been a true blessing to many families.  Bill believed in and enjoyed community involvements, such as the Rotary Breakfast Club of Dyersburg.  He served on several local boards of directors, including the Dyer County Historical Society and the Dyer County Office on Aging.  His involvement was instrumental in the activities of two local investment groups.

Bill had a deep love of learning and a natural curiosity about the world.  He obtained many certifications in the field of healthcare and valued continuing education.   He spent countless hours researching a wide range of topics, especially history, culture, and politics, always seeking to understand things fully and thoughtfully. Those who knew him came to expect that anything he shared—particularly on social media—was carefully researched and supported by reliable, proven information. He took pride in being informed and in encouraging others to think critically and look deeper.  His wife lovingly referred to him as the "Dyersburg Influencer" and her own personal Google.

Bill is survived by his wife, Susan Ables; his stepchildren, Trevor Veitz and wife, Alexis; Ashley Veitz; Samantha Lewis and husband, Toma; and Laura Jane Harris. He was greatly loved, simply, as 'B' by his grandchildren, Annalyse and Jack Veitz, and Jackson, Waylon, and Bradley Kay Lewis.

Memorial Visitation for Mr. Bill Ables will be held at Dyersburg Funeral Home on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m.  Graveside funeral services will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Fairview Cemetery, conducted by Rev. Mike Hickman.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers being sent, donations in Bill's memory be directed to support the work of the Dyer County Historical Society at www.dyerhistory.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.