Search by Name

Search by Name

William H. "Bill" Liston

1931 - 2016

BORN

1931

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Oliver Funeral Home of Winona, Inc.

113 Liberty Street

Winona, Mississippi

William Liston Obituary

William H. "Bill" Liston

Winona

William H. (Bill) Liston, 85 of Winona, Mississippi, died peacefully at home on August 10, 2016. A celebration of Bill's life will be held August 13, 2016 at Moore Memorial United Methodist Church in Winona. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m.

Born in Natchez on March 13, 1931 to William and Hester Jordan Liston, Bill grew up in Kilmichael where he was a proud Eagle Scout and a 1949 graduate of Big Black Central High School. Bill's father - a high school history teacher and football coach - instilled in him a passion for learning that he pursued throughout life. Bill attended Mississippi State University and the University of Maryland (European extension), while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1954, and thereafter attended the University of Mississippi where he was president of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity (1956), obtained a bachelor of arts in political science, and obtained his law degree in 1958.

In 1958, Bill founded a law practice in Winona in which he would serve as the senior partner for the next 57 years. Over the years Bill enjoyed partnerships with John Sumner, Jim Upshaw, Putt Crull and Hugh Gibson. At his retirement in 2015, his partners were Alan D. ("Devo") Lancaster and his son, William Liston III. Even though firm offices were established in other cities - Jackson, Eupora, Starkville, Macon and Greenwood - the headquarters of the firm remained in Winona, where Bill could be found working on a daily basis.

Blessed with a brilliant mind and sharp wit, Bill employed his talents in the unwavering support for the legal profession, his clients and his community. He will be remembered by Judges, his colleagues and the many clients whose lives he improved with his legal knowledge, skill, professionalism and integrity. When Bill received the Mississippi Bar's Lifetime Achievement Award, his partner, Devo Lancaster said "I can't think of any attorney more deserving of this award than Bill. He has dedicated his life to improving this profession and insuring that the courthouse doors are open to everyone, rich and poor."

Bill's love of Winona and Montgomery County was reflected in the willing gift of his time and expertise. He was a staunch supporter of public education, serving as the Winona School Board attorney for 20 years. According to former Superintendent of Education Dr. Tom Dulin: "[Bill] would not take a penny for his time and took very little credit for the countless hours of work on our behalf." George M. Harris Sr., school board member in the 1960's, credits Bill with easing the transition of the community during more turbulent times - "With [Bill's] advice and counsel, we were able to desegregate the schools without any problems. It went as smoothly as it could." Bill served his community in other capacities as well, as a founding member of the Montgomery County Economic Council, as a trustee for Tyler Holmes Hospital, and at different times, as the attorney for the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors and the City of Winona Board of Aldermen.

To advance the legal profession for the benefit of all citizens, Bill devoted significant time to state and national organizations, including the Mississippi Bar, the Mississippi Association for Justice, and the American Board of Trial Advocates ("ABOTA"). He served as President of the Mississippi Association for Justice from 1982-1983. He was a founding member of the Mississippi Chapter of ABOTA. He was a fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation and chaired or served on multiple Mississippi Bar committees which are too numerous to list.

Bill was happiest when working in the courtroom, with his heart and soul poured into the cause of his client, and he excelled in that endeavor. His excellence as a trial lawyer was recognized by his peers. Bill was board certified as a civil trial specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and listed, on an annual basis, in the nationally recognized publication known as Best Lawyers in America.

But most of all, Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. A natural storyteller, avid reader, history buff and wine collector, Bill will be fondly remembered for his engaging stories shared with family and friends over good wine. When not at work, Bill was known for striking out on epic road trips - traveling from coast to coast or even into Canada or Mexico - to satisfy his desire to experience different regions and cultures. In later years, he enjoyed daily drives on the back roads of Montgomery County, listening to music, and sharing with family and friends his memories of a Kilmichael childhood and a youth spent exploring the Big Black River bottom. Quite often, usually at sunset, Bill could be found on his porch with his wife Brenda, appreciating nature's beauty and at peace in the comfort of a life well-lived.

Bill is survived by his wife of 43 years, Brenda Henson Liston, and his children, William Liston III (Jeanne) of Jackson; Lori Liston Johnson (Matthew) of Oxford; and Bryant (Trey) Curington III (Melanie) of Flora. Bill leaves six grandchildren: Emma Liston, Barron Liston, Mara Liston, Gage Liston, Adele Johnson, and Madison Young.

The pallbearers are Lawrence Deas, Steve Brandon, Lee Hazlewood, Bill Rhine, David Costilow, and Tom Austin. The honorary pallbearers are John Sumner, Devo Lancaster, Hugh Gibson, Putt Crull, Ryan Taylor, and Al Baker.

Memorials may be made to Moore Memorial United Methodist Church of Winona or to the William and Hester Liston Memorial Scholarship Fund for Minority and Needy Children at French Camp Academy, 1 Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745.

Oliver Funeral Home of Winona (www.ofhwinona.com) is handling arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Clarion Ledger on Aug. 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William Liston

Sponsored by Oliver Funeral Home of Winona, Inc..

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

August 13, 2016

Finest trial lawyer I have ever observed. It was a privilege to work with him on a number of occasions. I learned a lot from him. I'll miss his counsel..

Dean Belk
Indianola

Julius Murray

August 13, 2016

Bill and i were fellow students at Ole Miss , and we shared rides many times. My home town is Grenada, and he would drop me off on his way home. Great guy and one of the smartest people I have ever known. Deepest sympathy to his family.

Julius (Murt) Murray
Ridgeland, Ms.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in William Liston's name

Memorial Events
for William Liston

Aug

13

Visitation

1:00 p.m.

Moore Memorial United Methodist Church

Winona, MS

Aug

13

Celebration of Life

3:00 p.m.

Moore Memorial United Methodist Church

Winona, MS

Funeral services provided by:

Oliver Funeral Home of Winona, Inc.

113 Liberty Street, Winona, MS 38967

How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Liston's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more