William O. 'Billy' McIlwain (Starkville Daily News)

William O. 'Billy' McIlwain died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006.

He was born to Emory Otho and Effie Shropshire McIlwain on Nov. 25, 1915, in 
Starkville. He was the youngest of four siblings, Herris McIlwain, Kate McIlwain 
Merrill (deceased) and Jennie McIlwain Barefield (deceased).

He worked his way through Mississippi State College at the U.S. Post Office in 
Starkville and still had time to "letter" with the Mississippi State track team.

While working at the post office one day, he spotted a beautiful young lady, 
Elizabeth Rhodes, and it was love at first sight. They were soon married, and 
just recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

Upon graduation from Mississippi State, he joined the U.S. Navy in New 
Orleans, La., as a lieutenant JG. Soon he was shipped to the Aleutian 
Islands and was there for the duration of World War II. He was stationed 
in New Orleans again for a time; when the war was over, he, Elizabeth and 
young son Bill moved back to Starkville, where he rejoined the post office.

More children came their way, Suzy (Lawshe), Jan (Robinson, now deceased) 
and Kay (Archer). He stayed active in the military and transferred his 
commission to the Army Reserves, later retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

He worked diligently at his beloved First Presbyterian Church in Starkville, 
where for many years he was deacon and an elder. He recently received 
the honor of elder emeritus, which he treasured. In April 1999, he awarded 
the Exchange Club Golden Deed Award.

After retirement, he couldn't stay still and took on a position at the Cobb 
Institute of Archaeology at MSU, where he did some amazing work. The 
highlight was going on a dig in the Negev Desert in Israel, where they 
uncovered an ancient city out of the sands of time. He also participated in 
many mission trips to Honduras and Equador.

Billy McIlwain was always fun-loving and humorous and loved to tell his 
stories and jokes, which he did until his last day. He was a great father, 
grandfather and great-grandfather.

He deeply loved and cherished Elizabeth and all his family and friends, 
and there was no limit to what he would do for them. He could make, 
build or fix almost anything and always had some type of project going.

He was an avid reader, wonderful listener and a great conversationalist 
and had a gift for making each person feel special. He loved history - 
especially biblical history - archaeology, geology, bird watching and all 
types of sports.

He lived his life by this passage: "I shall pass through this world but once, 
any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any 
human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I 
shall not pass this way again."

Visitation will be held Tuesday, Jan. 24, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at First 
Presbyterian Church in Starkville. Funeral services will follow at 1:30 p.m.

Pallbearers are Larry Favreau, Sonny Fisher, Bill Robinson, Aaron Tan, 
Johnny Thompson and Charlie Weatherly. Honorary pallbearers are Rush 
Valentine and Norvell Williams.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to 
Palmer Home for Children, 912 11th Ave. South, Columbus, MS 39701, 
or to First Presbyterian Church, 307 University Drive, Starkville, 39759.

Welch Funeral Home, 201 W. Lampkin St., Starkville, is handling the arrangements.


Transcribed by C. L. Herrick and donated to 
http://oktibbehamsgenealogy.org