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William LaFont Obituary
A funeral Mass for Dr. Bill LaFont, age 80 of Jackson, will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 at 11 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Jackson. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
Dr. LaFont was born on December 27, 1931 in New Madrid, MO to the late William Lee LaFont, Sr. and Selma Sharp LaFont. In 1940, he moved to Union City, TN where he graduated from Union City High School in 1949. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Tennessee at Martin and went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee Dental School, and obtained his DDS degree in 1954. After graduation, Dr. LaFont served in the US Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1956 as Captain.
He married Judy Caldwell, his High School sweetheart in 1954 and in 1957, began his 42 year dental practice in Jackson, TN. He was a member of the 7th District Dental Society where he served as both secretary and president. He was also a member of the TN Dental Association and the American Dental Association. He was a delegate to the ADA for 12 years. He was chairman of the 6th District Dental Caucus, Chairman of the ADA Reference Committee at the National meeting, Fellow of the American College of Dentists and International College of dentists, Fellow of Academy of General Practice, and member of American Society of Preventative Dentistry where he presided as the TN president. He retired from his practice in the fall of 1996.
He joined the Knights of Columbus Counsel #1101 in December of 1956. He obtained Grand Knight in 1959, State Warden in 1961, associate representative in 1962 and was elected State deputy in 1965, serving two years and joined fourth degree in 1960. He was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church where he served as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, President of Parish counsel, Chairman of New Church Building Committee, co-chairman of "Building His Kingdom" fundraising campaign, and was on the committee of faith and future building campaign. Dr. LaFont was ordained as a permanent Deacon in March of 2000, where he served in many areas, including teaching scripture for 15 years, ministering to the sick, counseling marriage preparation, annulments, and RCIA. He was extremely active in the Haiti ministry serving as a dentist on 15 mission trips.
He served three years on the Board of Directors for RIFA and Religious Education Advisory board of the diocese of Memphis, and was a former member on the Board of Development for the diocese of Memphis. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Jackson Jaycee's.
He was also a hobbyist who loved music and played the drums for a dance band. He was an avid reader and so enjoyed bicycling, having ridden thousands of miles, that he served as past president of the Jackson Bicycle Club.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy LaFont; two daughters, Teresa LaFont Rolleri (Jim) of Collierville, TN, Mary LaFont Mount (Chuck) of Pensacola, FL; three sons, William Lee LaFont III (Angie) of Jackson, Christopher Thomas LaFont (Bambi) of Nesbitt, MS, Donald LaFont (Amy) of Jackson; one sister, Jayne Sterling (Tommy) of Pittsburgh, PA; one brother, Dr. Don S. LaFont (Joyce) of Jackson; 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
A visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with Rosary beginning at 8 p.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Marys Ministry or RIFA.
George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel, (731) 427-5555.
Memories and Condolences
for William LaFont
Mitzi Brummel Moran
February 9, 2022
My beloved Bill passed away almost six years ago.
Judy, I can certainly sympathize. You are in my prayers.
Shirley Eckert
February 9, 2021
Bill always made me smile. It was a pleasure for my husband, Gordon and I to know him. Those were happy years in Perdido Key.
Shirley Eckert
Russell Winston
February 19, 2012
Bill,
It's been many years since I've seen you (probably going back to one of our JCM High School Reunions) and I noticed that you were still there in Jackson. Hopefully, sometime in the future we can touch base. I wanted to extend to you and your family me and my family's thoughts and prayers after hearing about the passing of your dad.
Donna & Paul Shahan
February 19, 2012
Deacon Bill was a very special man and friend. Always there with a kind word, hug or a funny or inspirational story. Our family got to know Bill and his family thru St. Mary's Church and I worked alongside him while employed at the Parish Office. He's guided our family; he's renewed wedding vows and baptized one of our grandsons. His smiling face and presence will be missed. We always enjoyed getting a chance for a friendly hello whenever we were able to make it back to Jackson from Mississippi. He and Judy were a shining example of what we all strive to be as a married couple. Our prayers and best wishes are with you all. God Bless. Paul and Donna Shahan and family (Jennifer, Angela, Stephen, Jordan and Connor
Larry & Freda Sturgis
February 18, 2012
Bill will be missed temendously. He made us feel so welcome when we started attending St. Marys in the 70's. He had a great smile and wonderful sense of humor. It just came natural for him. Simply a great person. Judy, God bless you and family. We are saddened by your loss and the loss for all of St. Mary's Church. Our prayers are with you.
Jo Ann Cochran Tucker
February 18, 2012
My sister, Louise, and I worked at City Drug in Union City, Tn. owned by Jack LaFont and also were acquainted with Bud (Dr. LaFont's Father) and all of the families. They were good people and gave lots of young people an opportunity to work. Sorry to hear about your loss buy what a legacy. God bless you.
Anita J. Spicer-Taylor
February 18, 2012
Dr. Lafont was my childhood dentist, which was fifty years ago. He was such a wonderful, kind man. I attended St. Mary' s
Catholic School with Terry. I left Jackson in 1973; however, I never forgot Dr. Lafont and his family. Throughout the years, I would ask my mom, "How is Dr. Lafont?" "Do you see him and his family at mass? He was truly unforgettable. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Anita Taylor ( Las Vegas, NV)
Brenda Floyd-Hill
February 17, 2012
Dr. Lafont was my dentist for many years & Don was 1 of my classmates. Dr. Lafont had such a kind soul. He will be missed. Don, I will keep you & your family in my prayers. Brenda Floyd-Hill(Jackson, TN)
George A. Smith and Sons
February 17, 2012
Please accept our deepest sympathies
February 17, 2012
Kind, Gentle, Humble, Athletic, Brave...Model Man
Will miss you very much Dr./Deacon LaFont
Victor C. Buehler and Family
Jeff Adams
February 17, 2012
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Lafont Family during this difficult time. Dr. Lafont was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed. Jeff, Karis and Jordan Adams
Pat Little
February 17, 2012
Dearest Judy,
I am so saddened for your loss. Your sweet husband will be greatly missed.
You and Bill were so precious together. I will always remember you two dancing together at all the parties we used to attend. Right there in front of the band. What fun we used to have.
Cherish your memories with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
My sincerest sympathies.
Jimmy Dyer
February 17, 2012
Dr. LaFont was one of the finest men that I have ever known. He was my dentist until he retired. He was not only my dentist but a great friend. He always knew you and always spoke when ever he saw you. He will be greatly missed by St. Mary as well as the community. Our lost but heaven's gain.
May God Bless and Comfort the entire family at this difficult time.
Buddy and Judy Lafont
Louise Walker
February 17, 2012
This picture was made Sept. 17, 2011, at Reelfoot Lake, during UCHS Class Reunion. Beautiful couple! Buddy will be missed. Louise & Johnny Walker
Gwinette Marshall
February 17, 2012
My heart goes out to the family of Dr. Lafont he was my dentist in the 80's & He's the first dentist that made me feel comfortable. I'll never forget him.
Anita Madison
February 16, 2012
Judy, Terri and family, I have just learned of Dr. Lafont's death. I am so sorry. Please accept my condolences. Just one year ago I lost Hub. I know what you will be going through. If I can help please call on me. I have fond memories of seeing you at the Club. I still miss the Rolleri's in our neighborhood. You will be in my prayers. Anita
Patrick Linton
February 16, 2012
I will always remember Dr. Lafonts enthusiasm for life. He inspired my love for riding bikes which I still do to this day. I also remember his family and the love they shared. His son Bill was a great friend and my prayers are with the family today!
Mickie Whitaker
February 16, 2012
Bill became my dentist in 1956 and my family and I were his patients until he retired. Your family and mine were closely entwined through the years. Much of the community will miss him and I will miss him deeply. Judy, you will survive and I've got a bunch of tips on how to do that. I love each one of you,
Shirley Eckert
February 16, 2012
Bill will be remembered for his smile
and laugh and all the good times we
shared together. He was a great man.
My sympathy to all his family for their
loss. Sincerely, Shirley Eckert
Louise Walker
February 16, 2012
Dear Judy, We were so saddened to hear of Buddy's death. We enjoyed our short visit with you and him during the class reunion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Our love, Louise and Johnny Walker
Danny Head
February 16, 2012
Bill was a wonderful neighbor, here on Perdido Key. I so enjoyed my interaction with him. He will be sorely missed, but my fond memories of him will live in my heart!
February 16, 2012
I will keep the family in my prayers. He was on the RIFA board with me and was such a sweet man.
Susan Williams
JANIE & RAY THOMAS
February 16, 2012
JUDY,
OUT THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE FAMILY. WE WERE SO SAD TO HEAR ABOUT BILL'S PASSING. WITHOUT A DOUBT, HE IS WITH GOD.
Terri Arizmendi
February 16, 2012
I was very sad to hear of Deacon La Font's passing. I loved to hear him speak especially At St Mary's. He trained me for the Eucharistic Ministry for my parrish of St John's in Brownsville and will be missed. God Bless his family.
carol shaul
February 16, 2012
I am so saddened to hear of Dr. LaFont's death. He was a wonderful man - my dentist of many years. He was so kind and caring, and had such a gentle soul. The world is diminished by his going.
Sharon Phillips
February 15, 2012
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Robert & Karen Hopper
February 15, 2012
Bill LaFont was a wonderful man, a great example and mentor, and a true friend you could always rely on. We were partners for 13 years in practice together, and I learned so much from him. He knew how to live life to the fullest. He and Judy were a wonderful team and they were blessed with great kids. The entire LaFont family has been a special blessing to us. With each story, each tear, and each tender memory... a life such as his will always fill a place in our hearts. May God's grace sustain us all through our loss.
Lindsay Wilhite
February 15, 2012
Our prayers are with you all during this sad time. I will be thinking of your family.
Sid Conger
February 15, 2012
I am so saddened to here about Bill. He was my dentist as a child
I always thought of Bill and his family as an exstanted family.
Bill will be missed
Nash Jimenez Jr.
February 15, 2012
Thank you for letting me in your family,Peace always with you and your family
Tammy Osborn
February 15, 2012
I am so sorry for your lost. Dr. Lafont was a wonderful man. He was my dentist for many years. He had such a kind soul. He will be missed by all.
Dawn & Brian Wilson
February 15, 2012
St. Mary's has lost a very precious person; Heaven has gained a sure Angel! Will always remember Deacon LaFont's genuine kind heart, sweet and gentle spirit, and his sweet warm smile; not to mention his wonderful Homilies whereby he always conveyed a thought provoking story for each of us to learn great lessons in life! My thoughts and prayers are with his family, and I know God and His Blessed Mother will wrap their arms around each of them and comfort them with the strength during their sorrow.
Mitzi Moran
February 15, 2012
Enjoyed so much being with Buddy and Judy at our Union City High School reunion last fall. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to his family. Bill and Mitzi Moran (Potomac Falls, VA)
Ruth Sortet
February 15, 2012
Our prayers are with your family. may God bless and keep you close.
Ruth Sortet
Mary Ruth Sortet
Arthur Sortet
Troy & Cinda Griffin
February 15, 2012
Our whole family were patients of Dr. LaFont and loved him very much. So sorry to hear of his passing, Jackson is losing a great person.
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