William "Bill" Proffitt

Mr. Proffitt was born on March 27, 1946 in Akron, OH to his parents, Bill and Jo Proffitt. He graduated from Oklahoma University with a degree in Asian Studies in 1969. While he attended college, he graduated the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School in Quantico, VA. He then graduated from the Naval Flight School in Pensacola, FL in 1970. In April of same year, he married Diane (nee Phares) Proffitt in Mobile, AL. Shortly thereafter, Bill served in Vietnam as a Marine Corps CH-46 pilot, flying medivac missions. He later served in the Marine Corps reserves in Dallas, TX, flying CH-53 helicopters.

After his service in the Marine Corps, Mr. Proffitt came to work in the insurance industry, working in both sales and executive capacities for Prudential, Kansas City Life, and John Hancock, with the designations of CLU as well as CFC. He also served on a number of insurance industry advisory boards.

Mr. Proffitt was a member of the Gideons, International, who could be found in schools and at hospitals sharing the Word. He enjoyed singing in the choir of First Baptist Church, Jackson, especially in its Carols by Candlelight services. He also loved spending time with his dogs, Bella and Lucy.

Mr. Proffitt is survived by his wife, Diane, of Brandon, MS; his daughter, Jen Proffitt of Brandon, MS; his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Andrea Proffitt of Ellicott City, MD; his grandchildren, Lucas and Leah Proffitt; his sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Nick Soranno, of Fairlawn, OH. He is also survived by his nieces Lisa Alexander of Ft. Myers, FL and Dr. Danielle Soranno of Denver, CO, and nephews Nick Soranno of Wooster, OH, and Chris Soranno of Solon, OH.

A visitation will take place on January 21, 2020 from 10-12 a.m. at Parkway Funeral Home at 1161 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, MS 39157. This will be followed by a service officiated by the Reverend Tom Washburn. An interment with military honors will follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mr. Proffitt’s life.

The Proffitt family would like to extend thanks to the kind and caring staff at Hospice Ministries, Inc. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice Ministries, Inc. (https://hospiceministries.org/give-to-hospice-ministries/) or Gideons, International (https://www.gideons.org/donate).