William "Bill" Caldwell

Bill Caldwell

Amory – William “Bill” Owen Caldwell, Jr., 80, had a sweet reunion with his wife and best friend on January 5, 2023. He was born on September 27, 1942, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to the late William O. Caldwell, Sr., and Elizabeth West Caldwell.

Bill grew up in Shelby County, Tennessee and graduated from White Station High School in Memphis with the class of 1961. A guy with the gift of gab, Bill never met a stranger and he used this gift in his career as a Traveling Salesman for many years. Bill’s concentration in the sales career was almost 35 years in the sale of merchandise that outfitted law enforcement as well as setting up and supplying warning systems for different facilities. To say he could sell anything was an understatement and everyone enjoyed just cutting up with him. His smile was contagious and at times a little mischievous to those that knew him well.

His partner in life, Rita, was his best friend and soulmate. They met in Memphis and married in 1962 and were blessed with over 59 years of marriage. While in Memphis, he was an active member of the Memphis Masonic Lodge on Summer Avenue, Masonic Lodge #729. In the early 70’s, they moved from Memphis to Amory, Mississippi for the rest of their lives. When they were younger, they could dance together beautifully as they were always in sync with each other’s next step. God gave them two sons and a large family and he was very proud of the family he raised. Bill was a Christian, baptized follower of Christ, and lived out his faith, loving others and putting them first. He was loyal and when his wife became disabled, he changed his life, his home, and cared for her for many years, overcoming many obstacles through the years. He loved and served her until her passing in 2021. Even near the end of her life, with his memory challenges, Bill was still able to sing word for word “My Girl” to his sweet heart.

In his free time, Bill did all things outdoors. He loved to play golf with his buddies, go hunting with his sons and friends, and go fishing. Bill made many close friends through the years as he participated in sports outdoors. Competitive, often times, when his golf team won, they loved to chant their team’s name “Calhoun” to sort of rub in the victory. When he would go hunting, Bill bypassed many the doe so he could always keep his self-proclaimed title of the “Wildlife Conservation Specialist” as he only shot bucks. He had a knack for catching the big fish and he was a patient man. Bill always had a very positive outlook on life and if you asked him anything you would always get his honest opinion.

Bill was a one of kind man, who put others before himself. He was genuine, competitive, and always enjoyed a good laugh and the company of others. His family and friends will miss him so much but they know now that he and Rita are completely healed. There will be no more tears or sorrow and they will be glorifying the Lord together for eternity.

Left behind to cherish the memories are his sons, William “Billy” O. Caldwell, III (Hope), Starkville, and Chris Caldwell (Renee), Amory; grandchildren, Eric Mills (Latashia), Hollan Caldwell, Blake Caldwell, and Maria Orr (Aaron); great-grandchildren, Georgia Kate Mills, Ridge Mills, Kinslee Caldwell, Ben Caldwell, and Paisley Orr; sister, Betty Waring (Tom), Maryville, TN.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his best friend, Rita Hogan Caldwell.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, January 8, 2023, from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at E. E. Pickle Funeral home in Amory, MS. A private family service will be held afterwards. Burial will be at New Hope Cemetery, Hatley, MS with Pallbearers being his grandsons.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and Tupelo Regional Rehab Center.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com