Funeral services for Mr. Willie Morris “Bill” Brister, of Brookhaven, will be Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, at Brookhaven Funeral Home (Natchez Drive) in Brookhaven at 11 a.m. with burial to follow in the Wellman Baptist Church Cemetery in Bogue Chitto. Bro. Chad Yarborough will officiate the services. Visitation will be Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017, from 5 until 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. until time of the service at the funeral home.

Mr. Brister, 82, died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, at Diversicare of Brookhaven with his loving family by his side. He was born Oct. 11, 1935 in rural Lincoln County, to Melton H. Brister and Tera L. Smith Brister.  He was a Mason of the Topisaw Lodge and a member of the Eastern Star.  He loved his family and enjoyed rabbit hunting with his good friend David Ellis.  He grew up as the third child of six siblings which led to many adventures, tall tales and memories.  He loved playing and coaching softball at Bear’s Ballfield, as well as participating in other sports with his children.  His greatest joy was playing with and spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom he proudly nicknamed. 

He was preceded in death by the love of his life for 48 years, Mary Evelyn Pate Brister; his parents; and brothers, John Henry Brister and Rev. Sammy Gene Brister.

Survivors are his daughters, Martha Robison and husband Carl, Sharon Smith, and Jan Douglas and husband Jason; son, Ricky Brister and wife Sheila; nine grandchildren; two step grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Paul Brister and wife Charlotte, and Barry Brister and wife Virginia; sister, Merle Buie; and a host of family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Brister’s name may be made to: The Wellman Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1918 Wellman Drive SE, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629.

To share condolences visit www.brookhavenfuneralhome.net.