William Wasson

William Thomas Wasson (86) passed away on January 12, 2023. Tom, known by his childhood friends and family as “Billy Tom,” was born to Homer and Lois Wasson, on December 21, 1936. Tom was reared in Kosciusko, MS. He attended Holmes Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi. He obtained his degree in Business Administration from “Southern” and shortly thereafter moved to Memphis, TN, and was employed by Cotton Fire and Marine Insurance Company.

Tom met Barbara Smithwick, his wife of almost 61 years, in Memphis. They resided in Memphis until 1974 when they decided to return to Tom’s beloved hometown of Kosciusko. Tom was employed by Lawrin Lamp Company and Montfort-Jones Memorial Hospital where he was Chief Financial Officer for 25 years. He loved his community and his church, First United Methodist. He dedicated his life to service in his hometown. Some of the roles he held include president of the Chamber of Commerce, a long-time choir member and actor in the annual Easter Passion Play at FUMC, chair of Habitat for Humanity, a founding member of “The Club,” and a regular volunteer at the Natchez Trace Visitor Center.

Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their two daughters, Andrea Wasson (David Denu) of Essex Junction, VT, and Elizabeth Wasson Garrett (Scott) of Goodman, MS. He is also survived by his sisters, Peggy Wasson Tyler and Judy Wasson Crowder (James), along with many nieces and nephews that he loved so dearly. He was predeceased by his parents; his in-laws; an infant brother, Charlie Hugh; and his nephew, Jeffery S. Crowder.

Of all the roles in his life, perhaps has favorite was as “Daddy Tom” to his six grandchildren, Leah Rackliff Morgan (Connor), Sarah Rackliff, M. Reed Rackliff, Adeline Garrett, Jon William Garrett, and M. Whitnell Garrett. He was so looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild due March 2023.

Above all, Tom enjoyed spending time outdoors. He loved gardening, walking, listening to music, following the “Golden Eagles” and “MS State Bulldogs” sports teams, reading, and simply enjoying time with his friends and family. Although his mobility was significantly impacted during the last years of his life, he was not content unless he was “piddling around” outside. His riding lawn mower became a mode of freedom and transportation and he loved visiting with friends and neighbors while he was out in the yard.

A memorial service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Kosciusko, MS. Gathering will start at 1:00 PM, with the memorial service starting at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 1293, Kosciusko, MS 39090, in Tom’s name.