Billy Duane Williams

Billy Duane Williams, Sr., 89, died June 18, 2025, at his home in St. Francisville. He was born in 1936 to Eugene and Hattie McDonnieal Williams, in Greenville, MS. The family moved to St. Francisville when Billy was in the 9th grade.

Billy attended Sunflower Junior College on a football scholarship but transferred to Southeastern University in Hammond after one year to be closer to his sweetheart, Helen. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southeastern, and a Masters + 30 from LSU.

Billy married his High School sweetheart, Helen Marie Kendrick, on a spectacularly cool day in August of 1956. Their union was blessed with six children who adored their precious Daddy.

Billy was an educator who touched many lives as a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, and principal. After twenty years in public education, he took the role of Principal at Central Private School in 1976. Following over a decade as the headmaster there, he continued his career at Parkview Baptist School, False River Academy, Wilkinson County Christian Academy, and another few years at Central Private, before finally retiring to his home in St. Francisville in 2002.

He is survived by his sweetheart of 73 years, Helen, six children, Lori Williams of St. Francisville, Billy Duane Williams, Jr., of Tennessee, Kathi Cowen and her husband Chuck of Central, Bonnie Kirkwood and her husband John of Pride, Kellye Moody and her husband Jeff of Bluff Creek, Jaime DeJean and her husband Christian of St. Francisville, eighteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Bonnie Langford of Jayess, MS, and three brothers, Donald Williams of Greenville, MS, Gerald Williams of Baton Rouge, LA, and Doug Williams of Bluemont, VA.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 29 at 2:00 at First Baptist Church St. Francisville, with a service to follow at 3:00. Interment will be held in a private ceremony at a later date.