William Henry Wesley, III
William Henry Wesley, III, passed away on April 29, 2017. He was born on November 9, 1931 in Pt. Washington, FL to William Henry Wesley, Jr. and Carlotta Frederica. Ziel Wesley, who preceded him in death.
He graduated from Walton High School in DeFuniak Springs, FL in 1949 and then he attended Florida State University in Tallhassee, FL, where he received his BS in May of 1954. He then joined the U.S. Army and began his tour of duty and was inducted in the fall of 1954. He served as a sniper during part of the tour. Mr. Wesley worked with Boeing Aircraft Co. for 12 years, (3 years at Eglin AFB in Florida, then 9 years in Huntsville, AL) and even had his own flying license in younger past years. He received the certificate for public speaking in the Huntsville, AL chapter of Toastmasters International on November 2, 1967. He was a member of the Starkville chapter of Gideon’s (until his memory was gone). William was a member of Double Springs Baptist Church in Maben, MS, where he was ordained as a Deacon in January 1980. He was an Amateur Archaeologist for many years. He wrote many articles for publication in the Alabama Archaeology Society Journals and participated in sponsored digs, even contributing special finds to the Florida museum and one item to the Smithsonian. Mr. Wesley participated in and prepared a report on Archaeological Surface Survey for Environmental Assessment of Huntsville, Madison County Industrial Property… This was for the Huntsville-Madison County Industrial Development Association and Madison County Commission. He was author of a family related book “Land of Eden, Memories and Thoughts about living in the Land”. William spent 24 years with Columbus Lowndes Association for Handicapped Citizens (ACT Center) in Columbus, MS. He loved fresh water fishing and also salt water fishing in the Gulf and hiking.
He is survived by his wife, Jimmie Susan Butler Wesley; daughter, Delilah Crane; sons, Timothy and Charles Wesley; sister, Caroline (Carol) Marie Wesley; numerous grandchildren; nephews, Kevin Campbell and Caleb Campbell; and niece, Susie Campbell Masten.
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 3, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS. Funeral services are May 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Double Springs Baptist Church in Maben, MS. Rev. Larry Odom will conduct the service. Burial will be in Clear Springs Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Maben, MS. Memorial donations may be made to The Gideon’s or Alzheimer’s Foundation.
The family expresses appreciation to and for the wonderful, kind and loving people of Camellia Home Health and Hospice and to all those from home care who made it possible for Jimmie to continue employment. We will externally be grateful to Irene Shurden who was Jimmie’s Sunday school teacher, special friend and Willie’s loving caregiver for a long time, followed by Cortina McDaniel, who was often able to lift and encourage Willie to stand, eat and drink.
You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.