William Vann Gupton, affectionately known as "Vann," age 60, of Poplarville, Mississippi, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, a legacy of service, and a family who will forever hold him close in their hearts.
Born on January 22, 1966, in North Carolina, Vann spent his early childhood years in Tennessee before moving to Poplarville, Mississippi, as a teenager. It was there that he would put down roots and begin building the life that would shape the years to come. Following his graduation from high school, Vann answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. During his military service, he proudly served in Operation Desert Storm.
After completing his military service, Vann found another way to make a difference in the lives of others through a career in healthcare. He began working as an emergency room technician, where he developed a passion for caring for those in need. Determined to further his education and continue helping others, he returned to school at Pearl River Community College, where he studied respiratory therapy. Vann went on to dedicate more than 20 years of his life to Forrest General Hospital as a respiratory therapist before retiring in 2026. Throughout his career, he cared for countless patients and their families during some of life's most difficult moments.
In 2010, Vann began a beautiful new chapter of his life when he started dating Kathleen Merrell, the love of his life. Together, they built a life filled with love, companionship, and memories that Kathleen will carry with her always. Beyond his years of service to his country and his community, Vann's greatest legacy lives on through his family. The memories made, the stories shared, and the moments spent together will forever be treasured by those who loved him.
Vann was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clarence Lee and Minnie Ruth Gupton; his maternal grandparents, Alfred William and Van Oliest Gardner; his parents, Dr. Creighton Lee Gupton and Doris Gardner Gupton; and his beloved daughter, Brentley Nicole Gupton.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Kathleen Merrell Gupton; his children, Alexis Gupton, Robert Merrell, Matthew Merrell, and Anya Merrell; his grandchildren, Sylar Temple and Alora Huertas; his sister, Ruth Leann Gupton; his mother in-law, Carol Haight; and the mother of his children, Constance Stevens (Marshall). He also leaves behind a host of extended family members, friends, former coworkers, and others whose lives were touched by knowing him.
A Celebration of Life honoring Vann will be held at First Baptist Church in Poplarville, Mississippi, on November 14, 2026. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM with services to follow at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flower, donations can be made in Vann's honor to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (CDCE Portal).
