Billy C. Bourne passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024 seven weeks prior to his 96th birthday. He was predeceased by his parents, Jesse and Cecil Mulford Bourne; and his beloved wife of almost 73 years, Jean Pigott Bourne in December, 2023 –they were virtually inseparable for all those years. He is survived by his son, Tommy Bourne, and caring daughter-in-law, Lynn Morgan Bourne; two grandchildren, Christie Bourne Kracht, husband Eric, and Thomas Bourne, wife Nikki; five great- grandchildren, Hannah Kracht, Caleb Kracht, Tristan Bourne, Emmie Bourne, and Camden Bourne; and sisters-in-law, Peggy Pigott and Martha Pigott. Billy loved his family and treasured time with them. He was a member of Foxworth First Baptist Church for 65 years and served as a deacon for many years. Billy and Jean loved to travel with their “Young At Heart” group and loved to go get donuts and ice cream with them. Thanks to the members for their many calls, visits, and prayers.
Billy earned a B.S. degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Masters in Education from William Carey. He was an exceptional teacher and principal for 48 years, and it broke his heart when he finally had to retire at almost 69 years old. Billy always cherished being part of the founding administration for West Marion. He poured his life into helping to educate thousands at Dexter and Improve in Walthall County, and Hopewell and West Marion in Marion County. Billy cared for his students like his own and worked so hard to help them be their best. He never missed a school activity and was always there to support ‘his kids”. Many of his students remembered him by his famous “leather strap”.
The family would like to thank his wonderful caregivers since the passing of Jean; Linda McCarthy, Nikki Aultman, Renee Thames and Samantha Preuss; his Home Health caregiver, Krystal Jerkins, that took good care of him; and his special “adopted” daughter, Patty Ervin Stringer for always being there when he needed her. The family appreciates the friends and neighbors that always called DAD and brought him goodies. Special thanks to Martha and Peggy Pigott, Bobby and June Nichols, Hugh Gene and Diane Smith, Gary Barber, Sharon Simmons, Sylvia Martin and Patty Dykes. Thanks to his neighbors for their calls and help over the years, especially Maurice Ingram, a true “Good Neighbor” for almost 30 years. The family appreciates all the visits and calls from Bro. Zach Smith of Hurricane Baptist Church.
Family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home chapel on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM until service time. Reverend Zach Smith and Reverend Tyler Chavis will officiate and burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery assisted by Thomas Bourne, Tristan Bourne, Eric Kracht, Caleb Kracht, Hugh Gene Smith, and Gary Barber serving as pallbearers, and honorary pallbearers, Bobby Nichols, Mickey Newsom, Craig Pigott, and Maurice Ingram.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be offered to Hurricane Creek Baptist Church Building Fund or Foxworth First Baptist Church Family Life Center Fund.
