William Garrett Cohen of Nashville, Tennessee

September 30, 1940 - February 18, 2022

“Always be a good guy” That was Bill Cohen’s motto, and he always tried to live by it. He would often say it to his grandson Ethan.

Bill was born in New Orleans , La in 1940. He grew up the oldest son to Dr. Stanley Cohen and

June Cohen, brother to Ken and Steve. After graduating high school from Metairie Park Country Day School Bill proudly served as a medic in the 44th MASH hospital in the Korean war. He enjoyed sharing war stories and photos with friends and family. He graduated from LSUNO with a degree in history. Bill was an entrepreneur and somewhat of an iconoclast. He was a man with equal parts patriotism and skepticism. He always wanted to only work for himself. In his 20’s he opened the Bastille, a bar in the French Quarter. He had a mind for business and combined it with his creative ability to open Jeffery Garrett in 1968. A new era for retail, this was one of the first speciality stores in the country.

In 1972 Bill married Melody Stricklin in their new store Bill’s Melody in Pensacola, Florida. As fun and carefree as the 70’s were , in 1980 it was time to get serious!

Together, in November 1980 Bill and Melody opened U.A.L., United Apparel Liquidators in Hattiesburg, MS. Bill knew he could use all of his skills to bring together a curated assortment of fashion forward merchandise with a higher taste level than the mass marketing chain stores…. and at prices low enough to become a favorite of the customers they served. Bill was courageous but cautious, insisting on keeping this business debt free. The family lived below their means and gratefully built up the cash reserves to grow the business. He drove a 1976 Chevy Impala that he bought at an auction for $1000. When asked where he came from he would say “ I came out of nowhere on junk yard tires”.

What started 42 years ago in Hattiesburg. has grown into 9 brick and mortar locations and online store SHOPUAL.COM

During his life Bill met and mentored so many people. He was unique, and always had a different perspective to share with anyone who asked. Everyone could count on “the Big Man’s” words of wisdom. In his final weeks friends and family came from all over to say their goodbyes. There were loads of tears and laughter. This is his greatest legacy, the love and respect felt by so many. He will be missed and remembered for years to come.

Bill is survived by his wife of 49 years, Melody Cohen, his son Benjamin, daughter Casey, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren and his sweet dog Scruffy.