William Edward Durham

William Edward Durham, Jr was born on October 10, 1935 in Jackson, Mississippi at the old Baptist Hospital which was across the street from the present Baptist Hospital. He was the only child of William Edward Durham, Sr and Gay Longino Durham. He attended Jackson Public Schools (Power Elementary, Bailey Jr. High and graduated from Central High in 1953). He then enrolled in Ole Miss and graduated in 1957 with a degree in Geological Engineering, While at Ole Miss he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity and Chi Epsilon honorary engineering fraternity. He was fortunate to be able to attend college on a Naval ROTC scholarship which paid for a good portion of his education.

After graduation in 1957 he was commissioned an Ensign in the US Navy and repaid his obligation to the Navy by serving three years active duty aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CVS 12). Those years were a real “growing up” experience for a young officer having to lead a diverse group of sailor's who wanted to test the new, green Ensign, but it didn’t take long for trust to build thanks to the guidance of senior officers and enlisted men. He said on many occasions he wouldn’t give anything for the time spent in the Navy. After being released from active duty he came home and was employed by Southern Bell Telephone Co. and spent 34 yrs with the Company even though it changed names twice (South Central Bell, BellSouth) retiring with the title Operations Manager-Network Engineering.

About the time Bill started work, he continued his Naval career in the Naval Reserve, retiring after 22 years of service with the rank of Commander (O-5). Bill was a member of the North Jackson Lions Club for a number of years where he served in several leadership positions including President, He was active in his church, Christ United Church in Jackson where he served on several committees including three terms as chairman of the Evangelism Committee, was an usher, greeter, delivered Meals on Wheels and was a Stephen Minister.

His proudest accomplishments in life were his marriage to Robin Jones of Meridian, MS and the birth of his daughters Beth and Katherine. Family activities and vacation trips to the beach, the mountains, Washington, DC, Disney World and other places were some of the most enjoyable experiences in his life.

Next to his family and church, Bill’s main interest was his Ole Miss Rebels. He was a football season ticket holder for many years but followed all teams on TV or radio, and it was known not to disturb Dad when an Ole Miss game was on.

He was preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife Robin daughters Beth Sasser (Mark) of Vestavia Hills, AL, Katherine Schaffer (Stewart) of Amelia Island FL, grandsons Will and Rob Sasser of Vestavia Hills AL.

A visitation for William will be held Monday, August 5, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Christ Methodist Church, 6000 Old Canton Road, Jackson, Mississippi 39211, a celebration of life service at 2:00 PM, inurnment in the columbarium at Christ United Church will follow the celebration of life service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Christ United Church. https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Giving/christunitedjxn