John William “Bill” Atwood died on July 8, 2024 at Avanti Senior Living in Covington, LA. Bill was born on January 26, 1938, in Lumberton, MS to John Hall and Donzie Atwood. Bill was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi where he obtained a degree in Chemistry. After working for Dow Chemical Company he went back to school where he earned his degree in Pharmacy from the University of Louisiana Monroe.
Bill was a very active member of the community in his hometown of Lumberton, MS where he and his wife resided for over 50 years. In 1969, he opened his pharmacy John’s Discount Drugs which is still in business today. He was also a partner in the Ward’s fast food restaurant, a long time member of the school board for the Lumberton school district, as well as the board for the Lumberton Water Association. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the city of Lumberton for his impact on the community. He was an avid quail hunter, fisherman, and golfer. His greatest joy though was spending time with his family and being “Papa” to his 6 grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his children John Atwood (Stephanie), Charlie Atwood (Rachel) and Kelly Epting (Brooks); and his grandchildren Landry and John Hall Atwood, Bradon, Colby, Marley and Addison Epting. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ann Atwood, son Timothy Atwood, brother Steve Atwood, and sister Virginia Hurt.
White Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
Pallbearers are Brooks Epting, Bradon Epting, Colby Epting, John Hall Atwood, Kevin Ladner, Chris Schaefer, and Reece Holford.
Honorary pallbearers are Rodney Hurt, Brad Hurt, Scott Suhor, Redd Marsh, Buster Beall, Thomas Beall, Sonny Pate, Steve Pate and Butch Gipson
Visitation will be held Tuesday July 16, 2024 from 10:00 am until 11:30 a.m. and the funeral service will immediately follow at White Funeral Home, 315 Hwy 11 South, Poplarville, MS. Burial will take place following the service at OLPH Cemetery in Lumberton, MS.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in memory of Bill to the following:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
Donate to St. Jude and help kids fighting cancer - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org)
