William Billy Herbert Stimpson

William Herbert (Billy) Stimpson, a long-time resident of Mobile passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2015. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Stimpson (Dr. Charles R.) Hanes; his sons, Frederick T. (Alicia) Stimpson, III; William Sandys (Jean) Stimpson; and Richard M. (Leah) Stimpson; his 15 grandchildren; and his 24 great-grandchildren. He was a member of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church for more than 65 years.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, Frederick Taylor Stimpson and Mary White-Spunner Stimpson; his wife Margaret McLeod Stimpson; and his siblings – Frederick T. Stimpson, Jr. (who died during childhood) Benjamin C. Stimpson, Mary Francis Stimpson Shackleford and Gordon S. Stimpson.

Billy was born in Jackson, AL on August 2, 1920, and moved to Mobile at the age of two. He was educated in Mobile’s public schools, Old Shell Road Elementary School, Barton Academy, and Murphy High School, where he graduated in 1937. Billy then attended the University of Georgia and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. At the University of Georgia he was on the boxing team, a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, XI Sigma Pi (the Forestry Scholastic Society), and ROTC. Beginning in 1942, he served in the 2nd Cavalry Division, U.S. Army transferring later into the Army Air Corp until receiving an honorable discharge in 1945 with the rank of Captain.

Upon returning home after the war, Billy, like his father before him, began a life-long career in the lumber manufacturing/timber business by running a cypress and tupelo gum logging operation on the Apalachicola River until leaving there in 1952 to work at Gulf Lumber Company in Mobile for Ben May. He retired from Gulf Lumber in 1992 as its Chairman of the Board. During his working career he was very involved in trade associations relating to the forest products industry. Within the forest products industry Billy was a respected and well-known state and national leader.

Over the years he served with the Alabama Forestry Association (President 1967), Alabama Forestry Commission (1969-1985 - Chairman in 1972), Southern Forest Products Association (President 1977), and the National Forest Products Association (President 1982, Chairman of the Board 1983). Later he passionately served on the Forest Industries Committee on Timber Valuation and Taxation (Chairman 1988) with the purpose of protecting the rights of private property owners from unfair taxation.

During his career, he received numerous awards and national recognition for service to the North American forest products industry in recognition of a lifetime of visionary leadership and exemplary contributions to forestry and to the protection of private property rights.

Once, while being interviewed for a magazine article, Billy said, “I work so I can afford to hunt and fish.” The reality was that through hunting and fishing, he spent untold hours with his wife, children and grandchildren creating memories while teaching them about leadership, stewardship, conservation, and responsibility.

He often said, “You should work hard and play hard.” For almost 65 years he and Margaret were always planning their next weekend getaway or their next trip. His favorite places were spending time at his family’s retreat in the woods of Clarke County, hunting deer and turkey; on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, preparing to go big game fishing; or in the bush of Africa on safari. He and his brothers, Ben and Dut pioneered big game fishing on the 100-fathom curve off Orange Beach during the 1960s. And, they were among the first Mobilians to go on safari in Africa, also in the 1960s.

More often than not, if Billy wasn’t engaged with Margaret and his children hunting and fishing, he was entertaining business associates building relationships to help the family business. A staunch advocate for private property rights, he led many battles to protect the land and the country he loved. His every endeavor was driven by his burning desire to win.

Billy will be remembered by those who knew him for loving his family and loving life. While living life to the hilt, he captivated many an audience with his story-telling ability. His enthusiasm, can-do attitude and adventuresome spirit were infectious. He was admired and respected by all. He gave it all he had – all the time – all the way until the end!

Visitation will be at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church on Tuesday, January 20 from 12:30 until 2:00 PM. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 in the sanctuary, with interment at Spring Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to Outback America, 5710 Watermelon Rd. Suite 350, Northport, AL 35473 or to your favorite charity. Arrangements under the direction of Radney Funeral Home-Mobile, Mobile, AL.