William Davis Majure

William “Bill” Davis Majure, age 78, passed away on June 22, 2025 at his home in Ocean Springs after a three-year battle with lung cancer.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Edwin and Vivian Louise (Smith) Majure, his brother, James Edwin Majure, and his first wife, Katherine Lynn (Webster) Majure. He is survived by his current wife, Cynthia (Cochran) Majure; his son from his first marriage, James (Rachel) Majure, and his grandchildren, Donavan and Elias.

Bill was born on December 27, 1946, in Meridian, MS where he lived on what he referred to as a “hobby farm.” He learned about responsibility and hard work early, but had fun as only a country boy can. Bill's older brother, Jim, died at age 15 from chicken pox that went internal; at 10 years old, “Billy” had the duty of delivering the news to his grandparents, who had no telephone. In doing so, his childhood innocence was left behind, replaced with the sense of responsibility and duty that would forever shape his life.

Through determination and hard work, Bill struggled through severe dyslexia and graduate from Meridian High School in 1965, from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in History and Library Science, and from the University of Alabama in 1977 with a Master of Library Science.

Forced to read to overcome dyslexia, Bill chose a book about submarines, which led to a fascination with sailors, soldiers, and battles, evolving into a love of history. Bill knew more than facts and dates; his perceptive grasp of the broader social, cultural, political, and economic circumstances surrounding historical events enabled him to illustrate how the past shapes the present and influences the future. His stories made history come alive, weaving together the complex tapestry of human experience.

In the face of the Vietnam War, Bill's strong sense of duty compelled him to enlist before being drafted. Driven by the desire to serve in a way that resonated with him personally, he followed his lifelong fascination with ships and joined the Navy. In 1965, Bill went to boot camp at Great Lakes, then was assigned to the U.S.S. Strong (DD 758) in Charleston, SC. Between 1966 and 1968, Bill was on Active Duty in Vietnam, followed by cruises to the Mediterranean, the North Atlantic, and the Caribbean. He was a Commissaryman and a Watch Captain, his battle station was First Loader in a 5-inch gun mount crew. Bill left the Navy in 1968 as a Second Class Petty Officer (E5), and continued to serve in the Naval Reserves until graduation in 1973. Bill seldom spoke of his wartime duty and didn't consider himself a hero in any way. He had a few traumatic experiences, and they haunted his dreams for the rest of his life.

In Bill’s civilian career as a Librarian, he rose quickly to become the Director of multiple libraries, including those in Kemper-Newton, DeKalb, and Philadelphia, Mississippi. He built libraries from the ground up, managed their collections, and eventually automated their systems, taking them from card catalog to computer. When Bill retired as Director of the Philadelphia (MS) Library, he served just over 30 years for the State of Mississippi.

In 1978, Bill joined the MS Air National Guard as a Staff Sergeant with the 238th Combat Communications Squadron; he soon transferred to the 186th Air Reconnaissance Wing, where he was promoted to Technical Sergeant in the Logistics career field. In 1986, his civilian career as a Librarian brought him to the Gulf Coast, and he transferred to the 255th Air Control Squadron in July 1987. He worked in the Logistics, Radar, and Intelligence Sections, becoming an Aerospace Warning and Surveillance Specialist and an Operations/Battle Staff Coordinator.

After deployments to the Dominican Republic, Columbia, and Kuwait, the unit was activated in the wake of 9/11. Bill served as Head of the Operations Center in Gulfport, supporting the unit's many deployed elements, then was deployed to Washington, D.C. as a Track Data Correlator at Bolling Air Force Base, where he helped better secure the National Capital Region.

Promoted to Senior Master Sergeant, Bill was selected to serve as First Sergeant for the Air Force Element of the Joint Air Defense Operation Center. He earned many prestigious awards, including both Air Force and Army Commendation Medals, as well as National Defense medals for Meritorious Service, Overseas and Expeditionary Medals for the Vietnam War and Operation Noble Eagle, with enhancements for longevity and efficiency. Bill retired from the ANG with over 36 years of active-duty service.

Bill’s favorite hobby was Historical Miniature Gaming, and he promoted gaming as fan, volunteer, staff, board member, Vice Chairman, and co-founder in multiple gaming groups. His organizational and management skills, ability to motivate people, and his willingness to work long hours and pitch in with any and all tasks was an invaluable element of the success of all the events in his orbit.

The most important part of Bill’s life was his relationship with Jesus Christ, who he recognized as his Lord and Savior. Bill had fallen away from God after the death of his brother, but always considered himself a Christian. An extraordinary event in which he was able to minister to and help a young Airman led to Bill opening his heart, allowing him to develop a personal relationship with the Lord that granted him the peace that had previously eluded him. He felt strongly that he was called to serve others, and he did so with a joyful heart. He found fellowship at the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs, where he served as a Deacon, updated and automated the Church Library, and coordinated events. The calling he felt the strongest was to work Church funerals, where he acted as liaison between the funeral home, church, and families, quietly taking charge behind the scenes to ensure the services flowed effortlessly, and supporting all involved.

Bill stated that he was not afraid to die, because he was secure in his faith. However, he was frustrated at his quick decline, saying, “I still have so many people to serve.” Bill’s prayer was for everyone to show love for one another; in everything he did, he showed how to live with purpose, integrity, and a heart full of love.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of William Davis Majure.