Robert Dotson

Mr. Robert Dotson , 87, of Louisville, MS passed away, Sunday May 24, 2026. Visitation will be held Friday May 29, 2026 at 2:00p.m. until 6:00p.m. at Taylor's Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Service will be Saturday May 30, 2026 at 1:00p.m. at Taylor's Funeral Home Chapel. Taylor's Funeral Home of Louisville, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. 

Joe Henry Lee

 Joe Henry Lee, 69, of Jackson, MS., formerly of Louisville, MS., passed on Monday, May 18, 2026 at his Home. Funeral Service will be Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 1 p.m., from Beck Funeral Home, 226 North St. Louisville, MS. Visitation will be the day of service from 11 a.m., until the Funeral Hour. Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Church Cemetery, 1240 Mount Calvary Road, Louisville, MS 39339.

Joe was born March 19, 1957, in Winston County Mississippi to the parents, Earnest Lee and Audrey Mae Triplett Lee.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Audrey Lee; son, Eric Lee; siblings, Earnestine Council, Archie Dean Carter, Ezell Lee, Buddy Lee, Shirley Carter and Sonly Carter;

Joe is survived by his daughter, Jolondra Shenayne Lee ; step-mother, Louise Lee; siblings, Ollie Haynes-Westbrook (Dennis), Rosie Martin and Gus Edward Lee; step-siblings, Charles Carter (Lora Ann), Donna Martin, Brenda Farmer, Regina Kelly, Ronald Farmer (Tracy) and Faye Carter; nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and family. 

Teressa Leigh Huntley

 Mrs. Teressa Leigh Huntley, 62, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, MS, with her loving husband, Michael, of 39 years by her side. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 27th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Rob Faulk officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Shiloh Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Teressa was born February 20, 1964, in Louisville, to Billy and Mae Hemphill. She became Mrs. William Michael Huntley on December 21, 1986. They were blessed with children and grandchildren whom she cared about more than anything in the world. The two of them blessed the community with more than just a daycare, restaurant, or swim lesson, but a second home to countless children and families. She opened her home, heart, and kitchen to each one of us, any and all, person, dog or stranger that she met. Her days were never complete without the love she had for her dogs: Annie, Ollie, Hayes, Tank, Payne, and more others. No words, song, story, or memory could ever be enough to describe, remember or honor Teressa Huntley. She owned her own daycare for many years and was a swimming instructor. Her contagious laugh and vibrant smile will be with each of us and so many forever. Her legacy is her family and her faith in God, and a few ever-changing recipes. The only thing that she wanted to share more with the world, besides the pride she felt & the millions of pictures and videos she took of her family, was, "If I got Jesus, I got it all!"

She was preceded in death by her parents; three children, Melanie Smith, Melissa Smith, and William Huntley; a sister, Sandra Hemphill Foster; and her best friend, Melissa Vanderveen.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Huntley of Brandon, MS; three sons, Rodney Smith of Brandon, MS; Stephen Huntley of Brandon, MS, and Dillon (Samantha) Huntley of Madison; a sister, Robin (Billy Joe) Carter of Louisville; her mother-in-law, Judy (Hank) Eaves; her grandchildren, Marleigh Smith, Keegan Phillips, Levi Smith, Corabella Papalambros, Annaleise Huntley, John Douglas Huntley, Abby Laine Huntley, and Sutton Huntley; and one great grandchild, Dalton Brooks.

Pallbearers will be Michael Huntley, Rodney Smith, Stephen Huntley, Dillon Huntley, Seth Smith, and Keegan Phillips. 

David Lynn Dempsey

David Lynn Dempsey, 82, passed away at Winston Medical Center Nursing Home in Louisville, Mississippi, on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Memorial Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23 at Pleasant Hill Church Cemetery with Reverend Ricky Bane officiating.

David was born April 22, 1944, to John Burney and Ruby Lee Griffin Dempsey in Louisville. He found joy in the little things — caring for cats, feeding deer, and spending time cutting grass.

David is survived by his brother, Jimmy Boyd Dempsey (JoAnn); his sister, Lottie Gay Dempsey Whitmire (Shelton); sister-in-law, Thelma Dean Dempsey; and a host of nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John Hubert Dempsey; and two sisters, Topsy Ruth Edwards Hickox and Frances Carol Crosby.

Memorials in honor of David may be given to Pleasant Hill Church Cemetery Fund, 445 Griffin Rd., Louisville, MS 39339

James Russell Butts

 James Russell Butts, known to all as “Buddy,” passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on January 28, 1936, in Amory, Mississippi, Buddy recently celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by those he loved. He left behind a legacy of quiet strength and a kindness that was felt by everyone who knew him.

Though not born there, Buddy was raised in Winona, Mississippi, a place that remained close to his heart. It was there—within the community he loved and the halls of Winona High School—that he built the foundation of the man he would become.

In the summer of 1958, while in Jackson, Mississippi, his eyes landed on a girl named LaVoynne Williams, and it was love at first sight for both of them. They were married later that year on October 4, 1958, in Forest, Mississippi.

A proud veteran, Buddy served his country from 1956 to 1958 with honor in the United States Marine Corps. The discipline and “Semper Fi” spirit he carried from his service stayed with him throughout his life and his dedicated career at Taylor Machine Works, which began in 1970 when they moved to Louisville.

In his younger years, Buddy was a force on the football field. A standout athlete at Winona High School, he went on to play for Mississippi State University. While he never sought the spotlight as a “star,” he was widely respected as a great player—the kind of teammate who played with heart, worked harder than anyone else, and represented the Maroon and White with true grit. His love for the Bulldogs never faded, and he could often be found cheering them on at just about every game—Hail State!

For all his physical toughness as a Marine and an athlete, Buddy’s most defining trait was his gentle spirit. He was, without exaggeration, one of the kindest men one could ever know. With quiet strength and a warm, soft-spoken nature, he made everyone feel welcome and at ease. He showed that true strength is not loud, but found in compassion, humility, and the way one treats others.

Buddy also had a deep love for children and spent many years serving as a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Louisville, where his patience, kindness, and steady presence left a lasting impression on countless young lives. His faith was the cornerstone of who he was—he loved Jesus wholeheartedly and lived that love out daily through the way he treated others.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife, LaVoynne Williams Butts; his three sons, Tim Butts (Shawn), Ken Butts (Sharon), and Jim Butts; his four grandchildren, Laura Petterson (Paul), Will Butts (Katie), Russ Butts (Addie), and Ryan Butts (Megan); and his seven great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Lewis, Gene, Betsy, John, Remi, and Jonah. He was lovingly known as “Grandan” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a special name given to him by his oldest granddaughter, Laura—a name that became a lasting expression of the love shared across generations. He is also survived by his brother, Yates Butts, and a number of nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, C.Y. and Dorothy Coleman Butts, as well as his brother, Bob Butts.

Anyone who knew him will forever cherish the memory of a man who was as steady as he was kind. He loved his family with his whole heart, a devotion that was evident in every part of his life.

A service to honor Buddy’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on March 29, 2026, at Porter Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m.

In his memory, the family suggests performing a simple, quiet act of kindness for someone else—a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much of it to the world.

A few of Buddy’s favorite verses:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10

lemon juice

for grandan by Evelyn Petterson, Buddy’s oldest great-grandchild

meatballs and spaghetti for a heart so sweet

lemon juice on everything

the fridge never empty

of a tub of vanilla ice cream

so full of joy

and love to see

the home you’ve built

for you and for me

always a fighter

always believed

fought for your country, for your family

never stopped going

for you and for me

and grandan, we’ll miss you

no other would do

what you’ve done for me

for me and for you

we’ll miss you forever

‘cause the sun always rises

but it has to set, too

we’ll love you forever

we love you, we do

Harvey Edward Loving

 Harvey Edward Loving, 76, of Louisville, MS., passed on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the Winston County Medical Center, Louisville, MS. Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 3 p.m., from The Center Hill Church of God in Christ, 3540 MS Hwy. 15, Louisville, MS. 39339. Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Harvey was born July 18, 1949 to the parents of Harvey Lee Loving and Christeen Thomas Loving in Winston County Mississippi.

Harvey was preceded in death by his son, Michael Loving; parents, Harvey Lee and Christeen Loving; sibling, Alice L. Loving.

Harvey is survived by his wife, Evelyn Loving; children, Derrick Loving and LaShanda Loving (Rickey);  12 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild; siblings, Aliceteen Young, Roxie M. Loving, Tiney D. Loving, Larry Loving (Stephanie), Angelia Loving (Joseph); nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and family.

Lester Billups

Lester Billups, 64, of Moss Point, MS., formerly of Louisville, MS., passed on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at his home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11 a.m., from Beck Funeral Home Chapel, 226 North St., Louisville, MS. Visitation will be the day of service, starting at 9 a.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oliver Cemetery, Louisville, MS. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements. 

Jerry Thomas Townsend

 Mr. Jerry Thomas Townsend, 83, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 19th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Mike Dowd officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Townsend Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Townsend was born March 8, 1943, in Neshoba County, to William “Mutt” and Nadine Wilcher Townsend. He married Geneva Buck and together they shared 61 years of marriage. Over the years, he was a drywall installer and worked in the logging business.

Despite experiencing a stroke many years ago, Jerry never lost the stubborn determination and strong-willed spirit that defined him. He always found joy by engaging in teasing conversation that always resulted in loud laughter. He had a strong desire to stay connected with family and for the younger generation to know their family history. He spent many hours trying to tell stories through old pictures.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Frank Townsend; a son-in-law, Tim Cutlip; a sister, Peggy Duckworth; two brothers, Truman Townsend and Billy Townsend; and a granddaughter, Crystal Romedy.

He is survived by his wife, Geneva Buck Townsend of Louisville; a son, Thomas (Kay) Townsend of Louisville, MS; a daughter, Jerri Cutlip of Blue Springs, MS; a sister-in-law, Ruby Townsend of Philadephia, MS; four grandchildren, Chad (Megan) Townsend, Matthew Cutlip, Beka Townsend, and Darrion Wesley; and a number of great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Chad Townsend, Matthew Cutlip, Jeremiah Shaffer, Al Duckworth, Richard Townsend, and Randy Townsend.

John Eldridge Sullivan

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Eldridge Sullivan of Louisville, Mississippi, a devoted father, loyal friend, and a beloved brother. John passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his home in Louisville at the age of 55. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville.

John was a man who found his greatest joy in the simple things that mattered most—time spent with his son, Jes, laughter shared with family and friends, and the peace he found outdoors. Whether he was casting a line at sunrise, hunting in the quiet woods, or just sitting at the pond with his faithful dog, Mary Ann, by his side, he felt most at home under an open sky.

Known for his unwavering loyalty, he stood firmly beside the people he loved and believed deeply in honesty, trust and commitment. He valued loyalty above all else and gave it freely to those who were fortunate enough to know him. His strong spirit and unmistakable presence left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path.

Above all, he loved his son beyond measure. Being a father was one of the greatest sources of pride and purpose in John’s life. It was a love wrapped in constant protection.

John will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his fierce loyalty, his very generous heart, his big presence in every room he entered, and the countless memories made around campfires, on fishing trips, and among the people he cherished most.

Though he is gone too soon, his memory will live on in the stories told, and the love he leaves behind in the hearts of his family and friends. “Big John” will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

John is survived by his son, John Eldridge “Jes” Sullivan, II; his sister, Amy Rosamond; and two brothers, Mark Sullivan (Karen) and Jeff Sullivan (Amanda). He dearly loved his nieces and nephew: Chasady Oswalt, Morgan Pace, and Channing Parkes; as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews. John is preceded in death by his parents, T. P. Sullivan, Jr. and Sylvia Hatcher Sullivan; and his grandparents.

Theresa Arnold

Mrs. Theresa L. Arnold, 75, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS.

Theresa was born September 11, 1950, in California. She was a very talented artist, and loved making all sorts of arts and crafts. She and her husband enjoyed working in children’s entertainment and entertained many children with a clown ministry. Theresa was also a ventriloquist.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Rita England; and two sisters, Coleen Osborne and Marleen Drynan.

She is survived by her husband, Hal Arnold of Louisville, a daughter, Tricia Arnold of Louisville, two sisters, Sharleen Enes and Joleen Stout, both of California; and a brother, Tom England of North Carolina.

No services are planned at this time.

Jessie Mae Miller McGowans

Jessie Mae Miller McGowans, 82, of Louisville, MS passed on Monday, May 4, 2026 at her home. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. from The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 825 Miller Avenue, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. from the funeral home. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Jessie Mae, better known as "Lil Sister", was born November 27, 1943 to Minnie Burrage Miller and Plummer Miller.

Jessie Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Minnie and Plummer Miller; her husbands, Johnny Gail Lockett and Raymond C. McGowans; a daughter, Melamie Lockett; a grandson, Javreese Lockett; a granddaughter, LaQuonda Kirkwood; and her (8) siblings.

Jessie Mae is survived by her children, George Miller (Ella Ruth) of Louisville, MS, Rose Mary Eichelberger (Carl) of Noxapater, MS, Angela Mitchell (Daniel) of Douglasville, GA, Linda Gail Lockett of Louisville, MS and Katrina Cheadle (Lonnie) of Kansas City, MO, bonus children, Chris Coleman (Cynthia) of Louisville, MS, Essie Mae Rutledge of Denver, CO, Floyd Miller (Fannie) of Louisville, MS, and James Miller of Memphis, TN; (12) grandchildren, (20) great grandchildren, (3) great great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Robert Anthony Clark

Robert Anthony Clark, 83, passed away at Winston Medical Center Nursing Home in Louisville, Mississippi, on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Funeral services will be 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. David Keen officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the funeral home from 2:30 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Memorial Cemetery.

Anthony was born November 8, 1942, to Robert L. “Bob” Clark and Hixie Hall Clark in Louisville. He was a member of the Louisville Masonic Lodge for 54 years where he attained the degree of Master Mason. Anthony also devoted 54 years to his career at Taylor Machine Works as a Material Handler and Parts Manager. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and playing Santa for many years.

Anthony is survived by his five children: Peggy Ward (Rod), Dianne Cunningham, Tommy Clark (Jessica), Angela Clark, and Justin (Sarah) Clark. He is also survived by his sister, Lady Gillis; and three brothers: Wayne Clark, Scotty Clark, and Danny Clark. One of his greatest joys was being “Granddaddy” to his 13 grandchildren; his 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Chancellor Clark; his grandson, Clark Ray; and his parents.

Serving as pallbearers are Bart Chancellor, Clay Chancellor, Matt Sloan, Robert Prisock, Ben Clark, and Steven Eaves. Memorials in honor of Anthony may be given to Shriners Children’s Hospital online at shrinerschildrens.org.

Lexie Holman

 Ms. Lexie Holman, 25, was born on November 13, 2000, and passed away on May 9, 2026. Lexie will be remembered with deep respect for a life marked by gentle compassion, a kind spirit, and a steady concern for others. Her faith was central to who she was; she had a tremendous love for Jesus, and even in difficult moments, her thoughts so often turned outward—worrying about everyone else before herself, offering care in ways both quiet and enduring.

Lexie is survived by her father, John Sullivan; her sisters, Ericka Auglair (Chris), Morgan Sullivan (Ben Barrett), and Jordan Sullivan; her grandfather, Jackie Oglesby; her aunts, Tracy Reynolds Walker (Wenton) and Jan Hollister (Jack); her niece, Presley Dill; her niece, Mamie Phillips; her nephew, Logan Harper; her nephew, Nate Auglair; her nephew, Jack Sullivan; and her nephew, Judd Barrett.

Lexie was preceded in death by her mother, Jackie Holman; her maternal grandmother, Idell Oglesby; and her paternal grandparents, Margaret and William Holman.

Visitation will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church, 3191 Shiloh Rd, Louisville, MS 39339, on May 16, 2026, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Funeral services will follow at Shiloh Baptist Church, 3191 Shiloh Rd, Louisville, MS 39399, on May 16, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm. Interment will take place at Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery, 3191 Shiloh Rd, Louisville.

Pallbearers will be Blake McMinn, Alan Young, Craig Doby, Bradley Baysinger, Al Massey, and Chris Auglair. Honorary pallbearers will be Lamar Allen, Steve Allen, John Albert Young, Kenny Sullivan, and Logan Harper.

Carl Eric Hemphill

Carl Eric Hemphill, 39, passed away at his home in Louisville, Mississippi, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, with his loving family by his side. A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Eric was born May 18, 1986, to William and Rachel Conn Hemphill in Winston County, Mississippi. He enjoyed life! Eric enjoyed spending time with his friends and family; however, he loved his wife most of all. He especially enjoyed Thanksgiving and his sister-in-law’s dressing. Eric enjoyed fishing, hunting, and cutting grass. He loved sports, specifically wresting and football; especially Mississippi State football. Tammy and Eric had a good time watching tv. Eric loved his momma; she was the person who knew everything (so he thought)! He was loved by so many.

Eric is survived by his wife of 11 years, Tammy Davis Hemphill; and his mother, Rachel Hemphill Sullivan. He is also survived by his brother, Charlie Hemphill; his sister, Larae Cotton; and two sisters-in-law, Chrissy Hooks (Dennis) and Kathy Schaum (Robert). Eric also leaves behind his loving nieces and nephews: Aaliyah Hemphill, Alyssa Cottong, EverLeeanna Fulce, Victoria Hooks, Cameron Hooks, Robert Schaum, Jr., and Caitlyn Hooks; as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews: Kaelyn Hooks, Alex Langford, Khloe Love, Damien Warren, Chozen Hooks, Cotton Hooks, Kashtyn Love, and Kyson Love. He was preceded in death by his father, William Duell Hemphill; his brother, William Larry Hemphill; his grandparents, Paul Conn, Mary Jane Younng, and Carl and Minnie Hemphill; his aunt, Trudy and Herbert Conn; and his mother-in-law, Claudia Davis.

Mary Catherine Shimmel

Private family service at a later date.

Keith Earl Ferrell

 Keith Earl Ferrell, 61, of Columbus, MS., passed on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Baptist Medical Center, Columbus, MS. Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 2 p.m., from Beck Funeral Home, 226 North St., Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Friday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Louisville Memorial Cemetery, Louisville, MS. 39339. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Keith was born September, 23, 1964 in the State of Illinois, to the parents of Odell Fulks and Ardoma Ferrell.

Keith was preceded in death by his father, Odell Fulks; grandmother, Mamie Ferrell; sister, Janet Beck; brother-in-law, Patrick Beck; and niece, Leah Beck.

Keith leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Victoria Jones Ferrell; his mother, Aroma Fulks; (4) sons, Keith Earl Burrage of Atlanta, GA, Travis Jamal Winters (Khandis) of Duluth, MN, Terence R. Griffin and Justin J. Jones both of Louisville MS; (7) daughters, Tatianna Ferrell-Ahmadou (Kolawole) of Chicago, IL, K'briyae Burrage of Atlanta, GA, Angel Jones, Robin Griffin both of Louisville, MS, Anastasia Jones of Fort Smith, AZ, Keisha Allen of Chicago, IL. and Taylor Ferrell of Memphis, TN; (2) sisters, Sabrina Ferrell and Kenyetta Ferrell-Winston (Troy) both of Chicago, IL; (17) grandchildren; (2) special aunts, Helen Wilson of St. Paul, MN and Lisa Waters of Heidelberg, MS; (1) great aunt, Bertha Hollins of Chicago, IL; (2) uncles, Clifford Ferrell and Demetrius; (2) good friends, Harold Reid and Michael Massey; and a host of nieces, nephews, favorite cousins, co-workers, associates, in-laws, and many friends.

Irvin Jones

Irvin Jones, 71, of Louisville, MS., formerly of Chicago, IL., passed on Monday, May 4, 2026 at the Veteran Hospital, Jackson, MS. Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11 a.m., from Beck Funeral Home, 226 North St., Louisville, MS. 39339. Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Irvin Jones, was born January 26, 1955 in Chicago, IL., to the parents of Ben Jones and Helen Elliott Lawrence.

Irvin was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Helen Jones Lawrence.

Irvin is survived by; Fiancee, Annie Henley; children, Robin Tiller, Erica Jones, Marquel Peete, Darnell Stone (Shamlisha), Toni Stone; bonus children, Alidia Jackson and Jimmy Jackson (Kenisha); a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings, Laura Anderson, Doris Obrien (Carlton), Keith Jones, Carmen Melton, Darnardo Jones, Piper Lawrence; nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and family.

William L. Johnson

William Johnson, 79, passed away on May 5, 2026, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville, Mississippi, and went home to be with the Lord. Born on September 21, 1946, William was raised in Noxapater, Mississippi, the son of Willard Alexander Johnson and Kathleen Lofton Kemp. He grew up with his brother, Johnny Johnson, enjoying a childhood filled with fishing and hunting alongside Noxapater Creek. As a young man, William was baptized at Noxapater Baptist Church. William treasured his years at Noxapater High School, where he formed lifelong friendships. A proud Noxapater Tiger, he often reminisced about his accomplishments in football and basketball, and he kept his letterman’s jacket as a cherished reminder of those days.

He attended Mississippi State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Entomology, a Master’s degree in Entomology and Wildlife Management, and completing PhD coursework in Entomology and Botany. William began his career conducting research aimed at eradicating boll weevils from cotton crops. He was an entrepreneur at heart; founding his own agriculture and crop consulting business in Mississippi and South Georgia, and eventually launching a pine straw supply business serving Mississippi and Alabama.

William never met a stranger. He loved conversation and found joy in connecting with people from all walks of life. His favorite stories often revolved around quail hunting with his beloved bird dogs, his garden, and adventures from his early days of dating Patti, his wife of 53 years. William was a member at First Baptist Church, Louisville.

He is survived by his wife, Patti Todd Johnson and his children: Michael (Sheila) Johnson, Emily (Guy) McClain, Julie Johnson, and Todd (Landrey) Johnson. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Lane Johnson, Maggie Johnson, Madison (Hunter) Aycock, Meredith McClain, Hutch McClain, Kathleen Bess McClain, Tripp Johnson, Noble Johnson, and Anne Spencer Johnson; and one great-grandchild, Fletcher Aycock. He is also survived by his younger brother Johnny (Cheryl) Johnson, his nephews Chris Johnson and Brad (Jessica) Johnson.

William was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved mother-in-law, Annie Bess Todd.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, at Old Mars Hill Cemetery, 3100 Mars Hill Road, Philadelphia, Mississippi. The service will be officiated by Dr. Jimmy Porter and Rev. Tim Smith.

The family is thankful for a merciful God who loves His children all of their days and finds peace in the assurance that William is now in His presence.