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Thomas Owen Williford

Thomas Owen Williford, 54, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 21, 2020 of severe complications from type 2 diabetes.

Visitation will be held at Riverwood Family Funeral Service in Brookhaven, Mississippi on Thursday, February 26 at 10:00am

with the service following at 11:00.

     Owen was born in Jackson, Mississippi on June 4, 1965 to Ed and Sallie Williford, the fourth of five children. He attended

First Presbyterian Day School and graduated high school from Jackson Preparatory School. He attended Mississippi State and

Belmont University, pursuing what became a life-long interest in music. Through the years, Owen enjoyed living and working in

some of our country’s most beautiful natural settings. He worked in the service industry at Acadia, Grand Canyon, Yosemite and

Mt. Rainier National Parks. He also worked in Nashville, Savannah, Maui, and Seattle. Due to diabetes-related health issues,

Owen moved from Seattle, Washington to Brookhaven, Mississippi in 2018.

     From a young age, Owen’s deepest passions were expressed through music, both through listening and creating poetic

musical compositions. Throughout his life, his love of music was inspired by the lives and work of other musicians.  

In addition to music, the simple pleasures of Owen’s life centered around exploring through photography the landscapes

in which he lived and worked.   His life was also enriched by the many close friendships he formed everywhere he lived,

and his devotion to staying in touch through the years. Having lived away for most of his adult life, Owen’s family cherished

the time spent together in Brookhaven with daily card games, shared meals, and lots of laughter.

     Owen is survived by his parents, Edward Hines Williford, Sr. and Sallie Thomas Williford and siblings, Sallie Myhr Williford,

Helen Williford Lynch (John), Edward Hines Williford, Jr., and Julie Bolton Williford.

     Memorials may be sent to the Jackson Preparatory School Music Department, P.O. Box 4940, Jackson, Mississippi, 39296.

6 comments

  • Comment Link Sandra McDaniel Saturday, 29 February 2020 09:01 posted by Sandra McDaniel

    I am so sorry to learn of Owen's passing away! He was a wonderful, kind, loving person and will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Much love, Sandra McDaniel

    Report
  • Comment Link Nancy McDill Thursday, 27 February 2020 07:42 posted by Nancy McDill

    I am heartbroken to hear about the loss of Owen. I have such fond memories of having gone K-12 with Owen and remembering Him as one of the Kindest and Dearest Souls I’ve ever known. I am so sorry I will not be able to attend the service as I would so love to be there. Please know that the Williford and Lynch Families are in my thoughts and Prayers.

    Report
  • Comment Link Susan Williford Wednesday, 26 February 2020 20:59 posted by Susan Williford

    So sorry you left us so soon. You’ve has such a loving soul. Praying for the family.

    Report
  • Comment Link Nancy Jones McDill Wednesday, 26 February 2020 20:56 posted by Nancy Jones McDill

    I am heartbroken to hear about the loss of Owen. I have such fond memories of going K-12 with Owen and remembering him as one of the Kindest and Dearest Souls I've ever known. I am so sorry I will not be able to attend the service tomorrow as I would so love to be there. Please know that you are All in my thoughts and prayers.

    Report
  • Comment Link Roy Winston Wilkinson Wednesday, 26 February 2020 14:34 posted by Roy Winston Wilkinson

    I am so sorry for your loss! I wish I was able to attend the services. My prayers are with you.

    Report
  • Comment Link David  Buttons Marchetti Tuesday, 25 February 2020 23:40 posted by David Buttons Marchetti

    We are so sorry for your loss! Owen was a dear soul & will be sorely missed! Our love to the Willifords!

    Report

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