William Williford

William Oliver Williford, 88, passed away Monday, August 16, 2010, at his home in Jackson, MS.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 20, 2010 at Drew United Methodist Church with visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 at the church. Rev. J.C. Hubbard will officiate. Burial will follow in Drew Cemetery.
“Snake was born on March 25, 1922, in Sardis, MS, to Talmadge Young and Nettie Oliver Williford. He graduated from Cleveland High School and earned a Civil Engineering degree from Mississippi State University.
He joined the U. S. Army in February, 1943, where he served as an Army Ranger. He later went to pilot school and served as a bomber pilot, flying B17 an B29 bombers in World War II and later as a squadron Commander in the Korean War. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters. His squadron was awarded three Presidential Unit Citations. Most of his missions originated in the Philippines and included refueling stops on Iwo Jima, after its capture, and ultimately bombing strategic targets on the mainland of Japan.
After his return from service, he married Udine Burns of Drew and they had three sons; Bill Sam and Bob. He served as the Mayor of Drew, MS, for 28 years where he also owned Williford Insurance and Real Estate from 1947 until his retirement. He was a former Jaycees. He was past president of the Drew Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, North Sunflower County Airport board and served on the school board. He chaired the Sunflower County Red Cross, was a Cub Scout Master for 4 years and a Boy Scout Master for 15 years.
He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award in 1967, and was initiated into the Order of the Arrow. He was active in many local and regional organizations, and was an avid fisherman and hunter.
In 1986, he married Jo Foster and resided in Jackson. She precedes him death. He is also preceded in death by a brother, Dr. T.Y. Williford of Greenville, MS; sister, Mary Bushy of Corinth, MS.
He is survived by his sons, Bill Williford (Stephanie) of Mobile, AL, Sam Williford (Barbara) of Canton, MS, and Bob Williford ( Belinda) of Cleveland, MS; grandchildren, Michelle Williford of Mobile, AL, Lindsey Williford of Atlanta, GA, Wes Williford (Sarah) , Sam Williford and Madison Williford, all of Cleveland, MS. He is also survived by a sister Corinne Pierce of Corinth, MS; a sister-in-law, Nell Williford of Greenville, MS as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Drew United Methodist Church, Drew, MS, or the charity of one’s choice.