William W. (Billy) Thames, age 90, passed away on Monday, April 16, 2018 at the Veterans Community Living Center, Long Term Care Unit, in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Mr. Thames was born on February 29, 1928 in Brookhaven, MS to Archie and Lila Belle Drummonds Thames. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mae Margaret Norton, his brother Dr. Earl G. Thames, and his son-in-law David G. Robinson.

Survivors include his wife of nearly seventy years, Lucille Price Thames of Brookhaven; daughter Cynthia T. Robinson of Murfreesboro, TN; son William W. Thames III and wife Sandra of Ocean Springs; granddaughters Laura Robinson of Murfreesboro, TN, Kimberly Padeletti and husband Edoardo of Houston, TX, Jessica Thames of Baton Rouge, LA and great-granddaughter Olivia Padeletti of Houston, TX. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Addie and Bill Winfrey of Mechanicsville; VA; sister-in law Ann Price and brother-in-law Jack Smith, both of Brookhaven; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Mr. Thames was a 1946 graduate of Brookhaven High School. He graduated from Tulane University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology, and from Louisiana State University in 1952 with a Master of Science in Geology. He was a petroleum geologist by profession and a Civil War historian by avocation.

During World War II, Mr. Thames served in the Pacific Theater as an MP in the 226th Military Police Company, U.S. Army, on the islands of Guam, Tinian and Saipan.

Mr. Thames was a Baptist and a member of First Baptist Church, Brookhaven.

Visitation with the family will be Friday evening, April 20 from 5:00 to 8:00 and Saturday morning, April 21 from 10:00 to 12:00 at Brookhaven Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at Union Hall Baptist Church Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, April 21.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Union Hall Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, the Gideons International, or a charity of your choice in his honor.