UTICA — Another of the greatest generation was lost to us June 20, 2017, with the passing of William Earl Cain.

He was a World War II veteran, American patriot, craftsman, builder, loving husband and father and friend of many. He served his country from 1942 until 1945 in many dangerous places unknown to most of us then and largely forgotten by most of us now.

He was born in Utica, Hinds County, in 1924 as the fourth child of Thomas and Julia Maggie Hutchins Cain. He was an Honor Graduate of Utica High School and attended Hinds Junior College until answering the call to duty late in 1942. Returning home in 1945 he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane Yates, and began his true vocation as a builder of custom homes and commercial buildings until 1994 when he announced that he was “going to the house.” In retirement he enjoyed fishing, traveling and recounting humorous incidents occurring throughout his long and colorful life. He was a member of the Cross Point Methodist Protestant Church, the Utica Masonic Lodge No. 98 (68 years), the Wahabi Shriners (50+ years), the Order of the First Families of Mississippi, and the Magna Charter Dames and Barons.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years; his son, Lt. Col. (Ret) Robert A. Cain; daughters, Susan Cain Storrs and Barbara Lynn Cain; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; one sister; a son, Mike Cain; and a grandson, Luke Storrs.

Pallbearers will be Dale Yates, Richard Price, Roy Yates, John Oleis, Jim Lightsey, Jimmy Holmes, Craig Millett and Race Taylor.

Honorary pallbearers include Douglas and Vicki Womack, David Womack and Wesley and Amy Cunningham.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to noon at Glenwood Funeral Home in Utica.

Services will follow at noon in the chapel with the Rev. LaDon Dawson officiating. Burial will follow at Cayuga Cemetery.

The family would like to send its thanks to its extended family, friends and neighbors who were always there for them.

Those wishing to do so may make a memorial contribution to the Cayuga Community Cemetery, 3040 Old Port Gibson Road, Utica 39175.