William Henry Keathley III

William Henry Keathley III, age 83, of Gulfport, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Born on January 9, 1943, in Jackson, Tennessee, Bill spent most of his childhood growing up in Hernando, Mississippi, where his family owned the DeSoto Times-Promoter newspaper. Those early years helped foster a lifelong appreciation for creativity, storytelling, and the arts.

Bill built a successful career in sales, representing several companies that printed checks and financial documents for banks and credit unions. He valued the relationships he built throughout his career and was known for his friendly personality and ability to connect with people.

Bill is survived by his wife, Kathy Keathley; his children, Shawn Walker and Noel Keathley (Kelly); his cherished grandchildren, Kaley Walker, Addie Walker, Abigail Walker, Carlton Wade Keathley, and Collins Wright Keathley; and his treasured great-granddaughters, Khloe Byrd and Natalie Mathis.

A gifted artist, Bill created beautiful pen-and-ink drawings and watercolor paintings that reflected both his creativity and remarkable attention to detail. He also had a passion for photography, always appreciating the beauty found in everyday moments. Music was another lifelong love. Bill enjoyed playing the piano and composing original music. He especially treasured collaborating with Allison, Kelly’s sister, who wrote lyrics to accompany many of his musical compositions. Together, they created songs that blended his melodies with her words.

Bill was also a lifelong fan of Elvis Presley, and the music of the King of Rock and Roll remained one of his greatest enjoyments throughout his life. Earlier in life, he enjoyed spending time on the golf course with friends. In later years, one of his greatest pleasures was enjoying seafood dinners with friends at restaurants all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Those meals, conversations, and friendships brought him immense happiness. Whether at home or on the road, there was a good chance Bill had WWL Radio out of New Orleans playing, keeping up with the news and listening to spirited discussions about his beloved New Orleans Saints.

Bill leaves behind a family who will remember him in their own special ways and cherish the moments they shared with him throughout his life. His artistic spirit, love of music, appreciation for photography, and the friendships he cultivated throughout the years will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bill’s life during a visitation and Celebration of Life on Friday, July 17, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at The Chimneys Restaurant, 1640 E Beach Blvd., Gulfport, MS 39501. The family welcomes all who knew Bill to stop by, share stories, and celebrate a life well lived.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street , Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of William Henry Keathley III.