William H. "Bill" Liston

1931 - 2016

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.