William Colbia Essex

William Colbia Essex, 98, of Villa Ridge, died at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, at his residence.

Mr. Essex was born on May 10, 1923, in Villa Ridge, the son of Henry H. and Mattie B. Parker Essex.

On April 5, 1947, in Villa Ridge, he married Irma Nell Mize. 

He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran. Mr. Essex was a lifetime member of the Pulaski County Memorial VFW Post No. 8891 of Mounds, where he was a former bartender for 25 years. He was a retired farmer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife,  Irma Nell Essex, on May 7, 2012; a son, Larry R. Essex; three brothers; and four sisters.

Survivors include three grandsons, William Essex, Daniel (Lee) Essex and David “Fred” (Brittany) Essex; four great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge. The Rev. Brent Miller to officiate. 

Interment followed in Shiloh Cemetery in Villa Ridge. Full military honors were accorded by the U.S. Army honor guard and area veterans.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.jones-funeral.com.

Jones Funeral Home Villa Ridge was in charge of arrangements.