Williams (Bill) E. Timmons, age 94, passed away on October 1, 2025.
Timmons joined the Nixon presidential campaign in 1968 as Director of Congressional Relations and became part of the White House staff in January 1969 as Deputy Assistant to the President for Congressional Relations. In 1970, he was appointed Assistant to the President for Congressional Relations, serving in that role through 1975.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on December 27, 1930, Timmons served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Before joining the Nixon Administration, he worked as an aide to Senator Alexander Wiley of Wisconsin and as an administrative assistant to Representative W. E. Brock. In 1965, the National Young Republicans named him “Outstanding Young Republican of the Year.”
After leaving the White House in 1975, Timmons founded the lobbying firm Timmons & Company, where he continued to advise and serve multiple presidents. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter appointed him to the Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations. He later advised Ronald Reagan during the 1980 presidential campaign and led Congressional Relations for the Reagan transition team following the election. In 1986, he was appointed to the U.S.-Japan Advisory Commission.
Timmons continued to play an active role in American politics for decades, working on Senator John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign and serving as Republican National Convention Manager in 1972, 1976, 1980, and 1984. He also advised George H. W. Bush’s 1988 campaign and George W. Bush’s 2000 campaign.
Throughout his distinguished career, Bill Timmons was known for his deep understanding of Congress and his steadfast commitment to public service.
Read more about the life and legacy of Bill Timmons here.
Tributes to Bill Timmons
Bill Timmons was among the most widely respected members of Richard Nixon’s administration, and I counted him as a mentor, friend and valued comrade over six decades. Whether in the Roosevelt Room or in a political campaign meeting, conversation stopped and attention paid when “BT” took the floor. His wisdom and counsel was measured, wise and respected. Above all, he was loyal and committed to his president, and his integrity was never questioned by his colleagues.
President Nixon was fortunate to have Bill at the forefront of his Congressional relations team – a true giant in his time. The apple did not fall far from the tree as his daughter, Kim followed in his footsteps as an important member of President Reagan’s speechwriting support organization. We were lucky to have him at our side and extend our condolences and warm wishes to his wife, Mimi, and the Timmons family.
-Ken Khachigian, Deputy Special Assistant to the President
