William Lewis Costley Jr.

William Lewis Costley, Jr., 91, of El Dorado, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024, at his residence. He was born April 19, 1932, in Clarksdale, MS to William Lewis Costley, Sr. and Lillie Mae Covington Costley.

His family moved to Bude, MS where graduated from Bude High School, MS, where his mother taught and was Principal. He attended Mississippi State University where he received his Bachelors and Masters degrees. He served our Nation in the United States Marine Corps for twenty-two years including two tours in Vietnam. Early on while in the Marines he married Elizabeth C. Costley (Conn). After retiring from the Marine Corps he earned his Doctorate of Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and took the position as Director of Community Services at SAU Community College in El Dorado. He was a member of First Baptist Church in El Dorado for forty-six years and served on several committees, including Chairman of the Deacons. He was also involved in the community as a member of the Civitans, including a term as President, and the Area Agency on Aging as Chairman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of sixty-one years, Elizabeth Conn Dilworth and grandson Ian Cobb Costley.

He is survived by sons William Lewis Costley, III and Philip Covington Costley; grandchildren Shelby M. Costley (Ericka), John H. Costley, James R. Costley, Alexandra R. Costley, Katin E. Owen (Andrew), Hunter M. Costley, Grace E. Costley and Olivia M. Costley; great-grandchildren Riley G. Owen and W. Jace Owen.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 13, 2023, preceded by a visitation from 1:00 -2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church in El Dorado with Brian Trostle officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Gardens under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors.

Condolences can be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Costley family.