Aug. 28, 1929 – June 19, 2012

NATCHEZ — Services for Virgil Kiser, 82, of Natchez, who died Tuesday, June 19, 2012, will be at 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church in Natchez with Dr. Douglas Broome and the Rev. Dan Wynn officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from noon until service time today at the church.

Mr. Kiser was born Aug. 28, 1929, in Meador, W.Va., the son of Willie and Nora Kiser. He was educated and graduated from Magnolia High School in Matewan, W.Va., where he lettered in football, basketball and track. He was an outstanding athlete and also served as student body president and officer in the National Honor society. He was converted during his senior year and his conversion brought about revival among the youth of his community.

Mr. Kiser joined the U.S. Army the year following graduation and took basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. He was part of the Occupational Force in Japan following basic training and was deployed to Korea at the beginning of the war. During the first week of battle, as a member of the First Cavalry Division, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against the enemy. He remembered the Silver Star was awarded personally by Gen. Douglas Mac Arthur. His selfless actions and devotion to duty enabled a number of wounded comrades to be safely evacuated and was an inspiration to all members of his company.

Upon discharge from service in 1952, Virgil made his home in Natchez and entered the U.S. postal service as a clerk in 1953. He was employed by the U.S. Post Office in Natchez until his retirement in October 1990. In 1970, Virgil became actively involved in the establishment of Adams County Christian School where he served as Booster Club president, swimming pool committee officer and volunteer construction member. Along with Bobby Collins, Virgil coached the first ACCS varsity baseball team in 1970, and was coach of the first basketball team at ACCS.

Virgil was an avid fisherman and hunter, loved coaching YMCA, Dixie Youth and Dixie Boys baseball. He was an active member of First Baptist Church Sunday School and Day Camp wrangler. He was a gentle guy who loved his God, family and friends.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Walter, David, Bernie and Fred; and two sisters, Ruby Norris and Nellie Craig.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 58 years, Joan Stotts Kiser; three children, Lee Kiser and wife, Rosaree, of Austin, Texas, Larry Kiser and wife, Brenda Kay, of Allen, Texas and Brenda Kiser Hopkins and husband, Mike, of Natchez; four grandchildren, Stephanie Atkins-Arnett and husband, Will, of Starkville, Tiffany Atkins Howell and husband, Anthony, of Minneapolis, Minn., Robert Kiser and wife, Kelly, and Rhea Kiser, all of Allen; three great-grandchildren, Camille and Josh Arnett and Xan Atkins-Arnett, all of Starkville; three brothers, Roy of Ridgecrest, Billy Frank of Franklin, Ga., and Donald of Crystal Springs; one sister, June Sisk of Raymond; a number of nieces and nephews; three sisters-in-law, Kathryn Kiser of Ridgecrest, Erress Kiser of Jacksonville, Fla., and Dolores Rabalais of Bunkie, La.; and special caregiver, Audrey Berry.

Pallbearers will be Mike Hopkins, Will Arnett, Anthony Howell, Robert Kiser, Don Estes, Jerry Holloway and Gerald Rabalais.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of First Baptist Church Wil Nolan Co-Ed Sunday School Class.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Natchez, ACCS Athletics or a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.