William Julius Crisler

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, June 16. 2010, at 1:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Clinton. Visitation will be prior to the Service beginning at 11:30 AM in the Church Parlor. Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Julius was born in Jackson on October 12, 1922 to Humbert Fariss Crisler and Mary Womack Crisler. He graduated from Central High School in Jackson and went on to attend Millsaps College where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

He enlisted in the Army Aviation Corps where he received his commission as an officer and his pilot wings. His military career continued for some 35 years seeing action in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. His flying career spanned the T-6, B-24, B-26, C-119, C-121, C-124 and C-130 aircrafts. He was one of the charter members of the Miss Air National Guard in Jackson where he served in numerous capacities including Wing Commander and Assistant Adjutant General for Air. His final assignment was as the Air National Guard Advisor to the Military Airlift Command at Scott AFB, IL. He retired from military service as a Major General in 1978.

In his civilian career, Julius was a real estate broker, insurance agent, home builder, apartment and country club owner and operator. He was active in the Jackson Association of Realtors, Homebuilders Association of Jackson, Kiwanis Club and the National Guard Association. He was an active member of the First United Methodist of Clinton for over 40 years.

Julius was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Betty Nelson Crisler.

He is survived by his children, Tommy M. Crisler (Donna) of Madison, William J. Crisler, Jr. (Eva) of Clinton and Betsy Crisler Adcock (Michael) of Ridgeland; seven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

The family would like to express its gratitude to the Veterans Administration Nursing Home, Miss Baptist Hospital and Hospice Ministries of Ridgeland for their outstanding care during Mr. Crisler's lengthy illness.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Clinton, 100 Mount Salus Road, Clinton, MS 39056.