William Bigham

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. -- William R. "Bill" Bigham, 73, of Olive Branch died Sunday, May 5, 2013, at the home of a son in Cypress, Ill.

He was born Oct. 7, 1939, in Alexander County, son of Joseph F. and Dorothy E. Rowling Bigham. He and Anna Faye Wilson Jackson were married July 15, 1963. She preceded him in death Sept. 7, 2002.

He was retired from Mobil Oil. He worked his way up from a deckhand to a riverboat captain. He was a member of Cairo Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include four sons, Rick Bigham of Cypress, William D. (Pam) Bigham of Olive Branch, Jeff (Amy) Jackson of Cypress and Willis (Linda) Jackson of Cairo, Ill.; 10 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; two sisters, Ruth Copeland and Joann Hemm of Chicago; two brothers, Joe Bigham of Indianapolis and Jesse Bigham of Jacksonville, Fla.; and nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; two sisters, Betty and Virginia; and a brother, Gene.

Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Rose Hill Cemetery, with the Rev. Robert Kirby officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to TIP Hospice; envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.

To leave online condolences visit www.crainsonline.com.