William Riser

William Hall "Bill" Riser, 83, of Jackson, Missouri, went to his heavenly home Saturday, March 11, 2023, while at home in the care of his wife, hospice and friends.

He was born Aug. 29, 1939, son of Dr. John Sherwood and Rubye Culpepper Riser and spent his early childhood in Memphis, Tennessee, where his father served as a Southern Baptist preacher. When he became an adult, there were church services during which his father delivered a sermon, Mother played the piano and William sang a solo or led congregational singing.

Bill graduated from West Tallahatchie High School in Webb, Mississippi, where he was an honor student and played oboe in the band. He received his bachelor's degree in math and science from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi, where he later earned a master's degree in education. He served with pride in the Marine Reserve unit in Jackson, Mississippi. Bill taught in Jackson, Mississippi, junior high schools for 14 years before moving to Jackson, Missouri, to continue his teaching career for an additional 22 years.

He and Betty Ann Shirley, also a Mississippi College graduate, married in 1968 in West Point, Mississippi. They celebrated 54 years of marriage in August 2022. Until he became ill, Bill taught Sunday school, sang in two choirs, visited nursing homes and was a deacon at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Missouri. When he could no longer attend church, he sang hymns as part of the couple's prayer/scripture reading time as long as his bass voice was strong, and then he read the lyrics aloud when he could no longer sing. He genuinely loved those inspired, traditional hymns. Among his favorite scriptures to recite were Joshua 1:9, Proverbs 3:5-6, and Philippians 4:13.

He had a passion for antique vehicles, spent his free time working on them and belonged to both national and local antique car clubs for a number of years. Many friendships were formed through his hobby and these organizations.

He is survived by his wife; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Mavis Shirley of Madison, Mississippi; sister-in-law, Judy Shirley of West Point; nieces and nephews; and two close old car friends, Chris and Matt Palisch of Jackson, Missouri, referred to as "our adopted grandsons".

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were a brother, John Sherwood Riser Jr., and two brothers-in-law, Mil Shirley and Jim Shirley.

A graveside service for family will be held Friday, March 17 at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson, Mississippi, with Pastor Randy Riley of Jackson, Missouri, officiating.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Jackson, Missouri.

Those wishing to remember Bill through contributions may make gifts to First Baptist Church, 212 S. High St., in Jackson, MO 63755 or to a cancer organization of choice.

The family would like to express its gratitude to the directors at Parkway Memorial Funeral Home in Ridgeland, Mississippi, for guiding it through the process of honoring Bill's life with compassion, respect and personal attention to detail. Family and friends extend special thanks to Elara Caring Hospice of Missouri for its exceptional care during the last two weeks of his life.