Lampton O'Neal Williams

Funeral services will be at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 708 Julia St., Poplarville, MS, 39470 on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 10:30 AM. Dr. Eric Pridmore and Rev. Lisa Pridmore will officiate at the service. Burial will follow in Poplarville City Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday at White Funeral Home, 315 Hwy 11 South, Poplarville.

Lampton was born December 28, 1918 in Baton Rouge, LA to Elijah Bragg and Willie Germany Williams. A lifelong resident of Poplarville, Lampton graduated from the University of Mississippi Schoolof Law and was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1942. He was commissioned a Lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve and served during World War II. After his military service, he began practicing law with his father in Poplarville. Lampton served as a Commissioner of the Mississippi Bar in 1947-1948 and 1975-1976. He was a member of the American Bar Association, Pearl River County Bar Association, Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association, and Mississippi Oil and Gas Lawyers Association. He never truly retired, continuing to practice law for family and friends even into his 90’s.

Family was a top priority to Lampton and getting all his children and grandchildren together was one of the joys of his life. He especially enjoyed the family celebration in his home in honor of his 65th wedding anniversary and his 95th birthday last year. After the deaths of his brothers, Lampton became the patriarch of the family showing care and concern for all of his nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Lampton took an active interest in the Poplarvillecommunity and was instrumental in the construction of the first community center. He was named Citizen of the Year for 1967 by the Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of the Poplarville First United Methodist Church, continuing to contribute when no longer able to attend and taking a special interest in seeing that the youth programs were funded. He was also involved in the mission of Brother’s Keepers. Lampton loved the outdoors and spending time in the woods. His idea of deer hunting was watching for deer in a blind without a gun although he did enjoy duck, dove and quail hunting.

Family members include his wife of 66 years, Nelouise"Suzy" Williams of Poplarville; three children, Susan Gornall and her husband John of Atlanta, GA, Neal Williams and his wife Susan of Hattiesburg, Kay Barnard and her husband Bill of Milton, GA; nine grandchildren, Matney Gornall, Ian Gornall, Colin Gornall, Trey Williams, Cory Williams, Susan Neal Williams, Karen Kubow, Brittany Erwin, Brian Barnard; four great-grandchildren, Isabel Williams, Aiden Williams, Amy Kubow, Anabelle Erwin; one sister-in-law, Mowetha Williams; many loving nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one daughter, Beth Williams; two brothers, E.B. Williams, Jr. and Gordon Williams.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Brother's Keeper Ministries, 310 East Smith Street, Poplarville or Poplarville First United

Methodist Church.

Online condolences at www.whitefuneralhomepoplarville.com .

White Funeral Home, Poplarville (601) 795-4982.