Dr. J. William Cliburn

FUNERAL HOME

Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home - Hattiesburg

205 Bay Street

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

J. Cliburn Obituary

Dr. J. William Cliburn

Hattiesburg, MS

J. William Cliburn, Ph.D., 89, of Hattiesburg, MS, passed away on September 2, 2015.

Visitation will be held starting at 9:30 a.m. with a service following at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, at Parkway Heights United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg. The Rev. Clint Gill will officiate. Interment will be at Philadelphia United Methodist Church in Heidelberg, MS. Arrangements are in the care of Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home of Hattiesburg.

Dr. Cliburn was born in Hazelhurst, MS, on January 20, 1926. He studied biology at Millsaps College, in Jackson, MS (B.S., 1947); the University of Southern Mississippi, in Hattiesburg (M.A., 1953); and the University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa (Ph.D., 1960). He was Professor Emeritus of Biology at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he taught for more than 25 years, and later Adjunct Professor at William Carey University, in Hattiesburg. His career in education spanned seven decades. He was a beloved teacher whose influence extends around the world.

Dr. Cliburn was a longtime member of Parkway Heights United Methodist Church. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 93, Boy Scouts of America, in Hattiesburg for many years.

Dr. Cliburn is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lonette Bryant Cliburn; a sister, Kate Cliburn Arnold; sons Joseph Cliburn and Gregory Cliburn; granddaughters Katherine Cliburn Widdows and Cora Yuqing Cliburn; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Catherine Cliburn; a brother, Eugene Cliburn; and a sister, Clara Cliburn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Edwards Street Fellowship Center, P.O. Box 17532, Hattiesburg, MS 39404.

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

Published by Hattiesburg American on Sep. 4, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for J. Cliburn

10 Entries

Coach Bob &Tommie Weathers

September 26, 2015

Joe, we just recently learned of your dad 's death. We didn't know him personally, but he must have been a well loved and respected man. Our deepest sympathy to you. Hanna, and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

September 11, 2015

Dr. Cliburn was a senior faculty member in Biology at USM when we (my wife, Cindy, and Robbie, our 10 month old child) moved to Hattiesburg so I could work as a Biology professor. Want to share a "story" about Bill Cliburn that comes to my mind from time to time: Less than 2 months on campus and in town Bill asked me if I would like to join him in a visit to Earl Travillion school to inspect the presence of bats in the school gym. Yes, the gym and locker rooms for boys and girls were roost sites for hundreds of bats - think about it. He offered advice, but for me the very fact that he shared the experience with a naive young colleague has given me pause over the years. Appreciated; not forgotten. Thanks

Cathy Paterson

September 11, 2015

I was a student of Dr. Cliburn's during the 70's and 80's. He was my mentor and my graduate advisor. I loved that man more than you can know and he taught me so much about biology and life in general. During that time, there were many of us who were mentored by Dr. Cliburn and we came to call ourselves "Cliburnites." We have never forgotten his lessons and we still fondly remember all the things he taught us. Outside of my father, Dr. Cliburn was the most influential man in my life. I loved him dearly and appreciate everything he taught me. I am so sad about his passing and I have prayers for Joe Willy and the rest of the family. It is always difficult to lose a family member and especially one who was such a great man.

I loved Dr. Cliburn so much for all he did and I dedicated my Ph.D. dissertation to him. He was truly my mentor and I will never, ever forget all the great times and the learning experiences I had with him. To this day, Tishomingo State Park is still my favorite place in the world, due to all the wonderful memories I had there with Dr. Cliburn. Rest in peace, my friend. And know how much your students loved you.

Linda Vance

September 6, 2015

Joe, my deepest condolences to you and your family.

Judith Duran

September 5, 2015

My deepest sympathies to Lynette and the family. He and Lynette were among my favorite teachers from FCAHS. He had a wonderful way of making biology and chemistry interesting even to high school aged students. Wonderful to know that he continued to enrich the education of college students too. He'll be missed by all who knew him. Judith Trigg Duran.

Roger Brent

September 5, 2015

Condolences to Joe and Greg. Hattiesburg just lost a real biologist. Real, in the sense that he loved and cared about the detailed world of all living things. Also real, in the sense that he was able to convey some tiny amount of that knowledge and joy to younger people (however unpromising). All good wishes to the family.

September 5, 2015

Our sincere condolences to the Cliburn family. Bill was our colleague at USM so we remember him well.
Patricia Biesiot & Shiao Wang

Debbie Moody Miles

September 4, 2015

Our heartfelt sympathy to your family,
Debbie and Duddy Miles

William Guy

September 4, 2015

So sorry. He was one of my favorite professors at USM. A really nice guy. I'm in Wyoming or I would be there.

Hal Broome

September 4, 2015

My sincere condolences to the family, and I consider this is a loss to the community.

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