Lamkin, William
1934 - 2021
William Wiltshire Lamkin (Bill), 87, of Columbus, passed away on May 6, 2021.
He was born on April 22, 1934, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, to James and Ione (Wiltshire) Lamkin. Bill was united in marriage with Bartrella Ann Romero on November 25, 1961. He was a loving husband, proud father, uncle, grandfather, and a loyal friend. Bill was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1965 and was licensed in Ohio, Mississippi, and various federal courts. He received his bachelor's degree in Economics from The Ohio State University and his law degree from the University of Mississippi. He was an Advocate of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a member of MENSA. Bill initially worked as an assistant prosecutor and then began his private practice in 1968. Over the years, Bill was a role model and mentored many lawyers who have gone on to become successful lawyers. Bill was the consummate southern gentleman. Rarely did an agreement need to be in writing; all that was necessary was a handshake, as his word was his bond. His generosity was legendary. Although not a traditionally religious man, he was known to say how important it was in life to "cast your bread upon the water", and he did so all the time. Bill Lamkin was a wonderful, complex man. He was brilliant yet would laugh at the silliest of jokes. He was soft spoken, but his words carried tremendous weight. He never liked to draw attention to himself, but he was completely unforgettable. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren. Bill will be dearly missed. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Bartrella; daughter Suzanne (Doug) Heck of Batavia, IL; two sons, Jim of West Virginia, and Bill of Los Angeles, CA; sister-in-law Sharon Coulter; and grandchildren Patrick, Ethan, and Piper Heck.
No funeral services will be held due to the pandemic, but a memorial service will be held sometime this summer when conditions permit. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com. Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from May 9 to May 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for William Lamkin

Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.

7 Entries

Tom Twyford

May 3, 2022

No I didn't forget you Bill. You were one of many who passed through my life, but you I do not forget. All our pals are fading fast. However, let us take comfort in the knowledge that our generation of lawyers that came of age in the courtroom are not forgotten. As I look back , we practiced law in the best of times. What we experienced cannot be duplicated by the lawyers of today. In those early years we were pushing the boundaries and having fun doing so. Bill, the light from your cigar is still burning. Tom Twyford

Sam and Mary Blackburn from PA

December 1, 2021

We just found out that Bill passed away and wanted to say how sorry we both are. Bill was a superb lawyer with working with Sam lawsuit in 2001. May he Rest In Peace

Tom Twyford

June 14, 2021

Bill was a good friend to me. To say the Bill was honest and generous would be an understatement. He and I were of the same generation of trial lawyers that come into our own at the same time. Many a glass I tipped with Lamkin. He was held in high esteem by clients, lawyers and judges. Lamkin was always the kind of guy that would take a chance and you'd be making a mistake if you bet against in a poker game. The Super Bowel parties he and Bartella had were legendary. This is a guy I'll miss for he is the last of a breed of lawyers that Columbus will not see again. RIP Bill and light up that damm cigar wherever you are.

Yee Lin and Hugh David Haney

Planted Trees

Sam Pipino

May 12, 2021

To the Lamkin Family: Your father was a great example for my generation of lawyers, his civility and professionalism are often sorely lacking today. May he Rest In Peace and may the Columbus Bar strive to emulate his character.

John MacKinnon

May 10, 2021

Dear Lamkin family, Tim, Tom, and Kathy,
My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved Bill.
First met Bill in 1980 thru my mentor Don Alexander who was Bill's classmate in law school. Later as a young lawyer Bill always had the time to mentor me, as he did so many, and answer any personal injury questions that I might present to him. Either Bill would invite me immediately to his office, answer my question over the phone, or return my call within minutes.
No lawyer was ever too small or insignificant in Bill's eyes.
Bill was brilliant, kind, and affable to all he met. When you were with Bill you knew you were going to have a good time!
Thanks Bill for your generosity, kindness, and friendship for over 40 years.
May God bless Bill.

Tim Van Eman

May 9, 2021

Bill was truly a great lawyer and mentor. He hired me right out of law school and is responsible for my career as a lawyer, which I will never forget. He was brilliant, funny (and fun), and a great friend. Bill helped thousands of clients with his excellent representation. They don't make'em like Bill any more. He will be sorely missed.
Tim Van Eman

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