William Marcus Bragg (Bill, Billy Bob, or sometimes Willy Billy) was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at the young age of 57. He was where he would have chosen to be, at home with his beloved wife of 34 years, Stacey Lee Bragg. Bill valiantly fought Esophageal Cancer since February 2021; his body grew weary, but his spirit never did.
Bill attended Starkville High School where he excelled in football. He continued his football career for the Ole Miss Rebels, which he supported and loved until the day he died. After a shoulder injury, he returned to Starkville, Mississippi where he worked for Mississippi State University Wildlife and Fisheries doing research on deer. He was also employed by the Starkville Fire Department. It was in Starkville, in 1985 that he met his wife, Stacey. He didn’t let his love for Ole Miss deter him from pursuing this Baton Rouge born, Mississippi State Bulldog. He and Stacey married in 1987 and had 34 wonderful years together. His son, Jace Montana Bragg, his absolute pride and joy, was born in January of 1997.
Bill found his passion in helping others. It was this passion which carried him into the field of safety. He worked many years for Weyerhaeuser, across the USA: Columbus, Mississippi- Eugene, Oregon- Seattle, Washington and Atlanta, Georgia. Bill then returned to his wife’s hometown in Louisiana for the remainder of his life working first for Temple Inland in Bogalusa, LA. from there, he traveled the world working for BP in Alaska, Angola (Africa), Egypt, and Iraq, touching countless lives along the way. Bill earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia State in 2017. He earned his CSP as well as his CHARTER making him one of the few to do so. He accomplished all these feats while still working full time for BP.
Bill was a mentor and coach to many young men; he was a PeeWee football and basketball coach. He molded many lives and taught many valuable life lessons. Bill carried a personality like no other, he had a way to impact you with a smile and humble words (and sometimes humbling words). He was kind and funny and never missed an opportunity to bring a smile to those around him. He was loved by many, and respected by all that was blessed to know him.
He is survived by his Wife, Stacey Lee Bragg of Baton Rouge, LA; Son, Jace Montana Bragg (Angela Daly) of Lewisburg, TN; brothers, Robert B. Bragg III of Birmingham, AL; Millard Davis Bragg of Tupelo, Mississippi; Niece, Elizabeth Davis Woods and her husband Thomas Woods; Nephew, Trevor Thomas Bragg; Father In Law, Joseph Lee Dabbs; Mother In Law, Jeannette Marie Dabbs; Brother In Law, Darryl Wayne Dabbs and wife Lea Ann Lunceford Dabbs; Nephews, Dylan Lee and Dawson Paul Dabbs.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Bess Ellen Bragg; father, Robert B. Bragg II; and nephew, Austin Bragg.
There will be a memorial service held at Central Funeral Home on Hooper Road in Baton Rouge (Central), LA on November 12, 2021. Visitation will be at 5:00 pm with Services starting at 6:00 pm. On the afternoon of November 27, 2021, there also will be a Remembrance/Get Together at Elizabeth and Thomas Woods house (70 Reagan Court) in Starkville, Mississippi. All friends and family are invited.
The family would like to extend special appreciation to the staff of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, and especially Dr. Daniel K. LaVie, for their/his love and support during Bill’s time of illness.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Bill’s name.
