NATCHEZ – Services for Melvin Eugene Williams Sr., 79, of Natchez, who died Monday, Jan. 21, 2008, at his residence, will be at 1 p.m. today at St. Mary Basilica with the Revs. David O’Connor, Alfred Camp and Brian Kaski officiating.
Burial will follow at Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.
Mr. Williams was born Jan. 27, 1928, in Natchez, the son of Marcus and Emma Givens Williams. He will be remembered as a kind, caring and generous husband, a loving father and grandfather. Early in his life, Melvin was a talented athlete, playing football, basketball, baseball and track at Natchez High School, Copiah-Lincoln Junior College, as well as the U.S. Marine Corp. He was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. Melvin loved being surrounded by his family and friends. He will be greatly missed and affectionately remembered by all who loved him.
Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; brother, Charles Lee Williams; sister, Irene Williams Frank; and grandson, Robert Troy Williams.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary O’Beirne Williams; three sons, Gene Williams and wife, Faye, Mark Williams and wife, Connie, and Michael Williams, all of Natchez; four daughters, Janice Junkin and husband, Bill, and Sharon Eddington and husband, Brian, all of Baton Rouge, Patty Prescott and husband, Richard, and Erin Williams Barham, all of Natchez; 17 grandchildren, Michelle, Courtney and Rebecca Junkin, Rick Prescott and wife, Alison, Kate Prescott, Jake and Sarah Williams, Brandi Dillon and husband, Scott, Taylor Williams, Anna Claire, Melanie, Mary Grace and Elena Eddington, Austin and Preston Williams and Webb Barham; two great-grandchildren, Christopher Troy Dillon and Rachel Prescott; brother, James “Buddy” Williams and wife, Willie Mae, both of Natchez; and a number of nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Pallbearers will be Rick Prescott, Jake Williams, Scott Dillon, Austin Williams, Kevin Williams, Lee Williams, Chip Williams and Steve King.
Honorary pallbearers will be A.K. Moore, Woodrow Dollar, Jerry Stroud, Melvin Freeman, Eddie James, Greg Ketchings, Tip Fore, Doug Madison and David Willard.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Catholic Charities and Natchez Stewpot.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lairdfh.com.