William Earl Bexley Jr. died in Vicksburg Aug. 22, 2011, after a brief illness. He was 81.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Betty Everett Bexley and his son Bill Bexley III of Vicksburg. Bill also leaves six exceptional grandchildren: Yancy Porter (Kate) of Oxford, Everett, Elliott and Camille Bexley of Vicksburg and Elizabeth Porter Todd (Adam) and Billy Porter of Hattiesburg. Also, his great-grandchildren, Taylor and Olivia Bexley Porter of Oxford, were special blessings in his life. He also leaves a brother, James Robert Bexley of Fayetteville, Ark.

Preceding him in death were two daughters, Sarah Jo and Suzanne, who were greatly loved and missed.

Bill was born in McLain, Miss., to Earl and Dennie Bexley. He had lived in Vicksburg since 1953. He entered the University of Mississippi at the age of 17. There he played baseball and was on the Committee of 100. His junior year he met and married Betty, and they transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi, where they graduated with honors.

He was a longtime member of the Ole Miss Loyalty Foundation and Alumni Association. For many years, he and Betty attended football, basketball and baseball games as season ticket-holders. Oxford was truly their second home.

Until the time of his retirement in 1994, he was vice president and co-owner of Runyon Construction Company. He was a member of the Mississippi Asphalt Association. Bill was appointed by the Warren County Board of Supervisors in 1975 to the Warren County Port Commission.

For over 55 years he was a devoted member of Crawford Street United Methodist Church, where he and his wife were married. He served on the staff-parish committee, finance committee and the administration board. He also had delivered Meals on Wheels from his church since 1994. Bill was also a team member who prepared and served meals to the needy at The Salvation Army.

A memorial service will take place to honor Bill at Crawford Street United Methodist Church, 900 Crawford St. in Vicksburg, on Thursday at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 until the hour of the service. The Rev. Cary Stockett will officiate.

His desire to help others was reflected in his decision to donate his body to the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to CSUMC or to Vicksburg Catholic School, 1900 Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39183.