William “Bill” Merrion Beene, age 81, died Sunday, December 23, 2012. He was born December 18, 1931 in Calhoun County, MS to the late Robert F. and Lula Potts Beene. Bill served four years in the United States Navy and retired after sixteen years of service in Active Air Force Reserve, and he served as commander of American Legion. He was a member of Woodland Hills Baptist Church, the Byhalia Masonic Lodge and the Ozark Shooters Sports Complex. Bill was an avid sporting clays marksman and won numerous awards and trophies.
Services are planned for 1:00 PM on Monday, December 31, 2012 at Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Water Valley, MS with Dr. James Pinkerton officiating. Visitation will be held for two hours prior to the service. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery with Larry McCluskey, Gary Pinkerton, Kevin Jones, Richard Whiteside, Kevin Whiteside and Danny Lloyd serving as pallbearers. Bruce McCoy, Aubrey Davis, Sonny Boggs and Charles “Woody” Woodliff will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Crews Beene of Water Valley, MS; a son Marion T. Beene (Tammy) of Southaven, MS; a step-daughter, Cynthia Hailey (Curtis) of Water Valley, MS; a step-son, T.C. Cornelison (Paula) of Brandon, MS; two grandsons, Alex and Justin; eight step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles L. “Buster” Beene; and four sisters, Katherine Wheeler, Dorothy Morris, Lola Pinkerton and Eula F. McCluskey.