William Elliott Lehman, 72, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at his home on September 5, 2016. Bill was born September 22, 1943 in Akron, OH to John Emiel Lehman and Esther Pauline Ankney Lehman.
Bill was raised in Akron, and graduated from Kent State University in 1967. He was drafted into the U. S. Army and served in the infantry in Vietnam all of 1968. He served as platoon sergeant in Augusta, GA, and was honorably discharged as Sergeant E-5. He received a Bronze Star and Army Accommodation Medals for Valor. Bill was born with a positive outlook on life, but it was forever enriched by his service to his country.
After working for a few years as Assistant Mortgage Loan Officer at Akron National Bank, Bill followed in the footsteps of his father and brother by finding employment in the automobile association industry. He served as the assistant to the Executive Vice President of the Indiana Automobile Dealers’ Association for 5 years. In 1979, Bill seized the opportunity to run the Mississippi Automobile Dealers’ Association. At the end of a 36 year career as President of MADA, much had been accomplished, including President of MS Society of Association Executives, Chairman of Automobile Trade Association Executives, creation of the 1st association Self-Funded Worker’s Compensation Fund in MS, and stellar legislative representation for Mississippi’s new car dealers.
Bill enjoyed a close and private relationship with Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Al Lehman and John Lehman; nephew, Richard Lehman; niece, Barbara Collins.
He is survived by two daughters, Wendy Jacobs and her husband, Chris, of Jackson, MS and Megan Fitts and her husband, Bill, of Canton, MS. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Skylar, Scarlett, Adelaide, Christopher Jacobs, and Parker Fitts; his respected ex-wife, Nancy Lehman, of Madison; sister-in-law Donna Dicesare; niece, Cheryl Belli; nephew, Allen Lehman. Lastly, his biggest cheerleader and “essentially his better half”, Jenny Griffin.
A memorial service for Bill will be held this Friday, September 9th, at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, MS. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m.
A private burial will take place on Bill's birthday, later in the month.
Memorials may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America
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