Daniel Luther Williams Jr.

Mr. Daniel Luther Williams Jr., age 82, of Wiggins and formerly Prentiss, MS, passed away peacefully with family by his side, on June 16, 2010 in Hattiesburg, following complications from Open Heart surgery. "Mr. Dan" was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Elsie, and their infant son, and by his parents, Mary Emma and Daniel Luther Williams, Sr., four sisters, Doris, Julia, Faye and Francis and one brother Dr. Alexander "Bam" Williams.

He is survived by his loving family, including four adoring daughters, Emma Stuart and her husband, Doug; Mary "Bea" Lee and her husband, Ricky; Edy Williams-Rhodes and her husband, Tony and Nancy Williams. Grandchildren include Ben Stuart and his wife, Cindy, Matt Stuart and Daniel Stuart, and two great-grandchildren, Douglas Payne and Emma Claire Stuart, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and one sister-in-law, Mrs. Edwina Williams.

Mr. Dan was a devout Christian and a member of the United Methodist Church, where he served many years teaching Sunday school. He was an Eagle Scout, veteran of the US Army and a graduate of Mississippi State University with two degrees, Agriculture and Forestry. He was one of the two graduates of the first class for the College of Forest Resources in 1954. His employment history included working as a forester for the Mississippi Forestry Commission and Crown Zellerbach Corporation. In later life, he established his own company, Woodco Inc., for land acquisition, forest management and wood products procurement services.

Mr. Dan was raised in Jackson, New Albany and Columbus, MS. He was extremely talented and enjoyed a life full of hobbies including gardening, wine-making, painting, reading, sailing, whittling, collecting coins, stamps and firearms. He enjoyed watching classic movies and listening to music. He was dearly loved by family and maintained lifelong friendships with many people, including an adventurous group of childhood buddies whom he served with in the Boy Scouts of America.

Services will be held in Prentiss, MS at Saulters-Moore Funeral Home on Friday, June 18 with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by services at 1:00 p.m. and a graveside memorial at 3:00 p.m. at Briar Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Florence, MS, resting place of three generations of the Williams family, and his wife Elsie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dan L. Williams Jr. Forestry Summer Camp Leadership Award at Mississippi State University by contacting the MSU Foundation at 662-325-5548. This scholarship award will be given to deserving students based on recognition of their strong character, professional qualities, financial needs and service orientation.

Online condolences and a guest registry is available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.