William Clarence "Bill" Lantrip

Born in Leland, MS on August 24, 1937 to Clarence and Trennie Lantrip. He grew up in Water Valley, MS where he was inducted into the Water Valley High School Football Hall of Fame as the Most Valuable Player. It was also in Water Valley that he met his high school sweetheart, Judith Anne Vaughn, before he attended college at Northwest Jr College. They were married February 10, 1958 and spent the next 62 years together, building a life they loved.

Bill and Judy raised a large family together, starting with their four children. Trennie Keen (Greylin), Dena Swindoll (Bubba), Billy Lantrip (Becky) and Brad Lantrip (Brenda). Ten grandchildren, including Lindsey and her spouse Shala, Ashley, Lauren and her husband Johnathon, Lacey and her husband Brett, Houston, Dustin and his wife Leslie, Savannah, Dillon, Breanna and Hunter. Five great grandchildren including Reece, Brooklyn-Kate, Adelaide, Levi and Tate. And four bonus grandchildren; Brian, Holly, Justin and Andy.

Bill worked for Delta Airlines for 31 years. After retiring he decided, at 59 years old, to go to the law enforcement training academy in Pearl, MS where he excelled and went on to serve the citizens of DeSoto County with the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department. He retired, after 24 years of service, as a patrol captain.

When Bill wasn't working, you could find him deep in the woods. He was an avid hunter and could often be spotted pulling deer out of the woodlands with his sons and grandsons, or hauling in a bag of doves. This is one hobby that he has passed on to several of his young family members and many cherished memories were made in deer stands. He was also an incredibly gifted carpenter. Since he was very young, Bill could pick up a tool and build something sturdy, long lasting and beautiful.

Bill also enjoyed relaxing in his recliner, watching any and every western movie ever made. To know him is to know that his television only showed two screens: the western movie channel and Ole Miss football. And even though we all know that John Wayne was his biggest hero, he was our biggest hero.

In his later years, Bill spent his days with Judy and his family in the comfort of their family home. His two dogs, Coco and Sassy, became his constant companions and he loved them completely. Bill reunited with loved ones who have gone before him, surrounded by family and love, on December 4, 2020. A celebration of his life will be Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at 11 o'clock in the morning at La Belle Haven Baptist Church with the interment following at Forest Hill Cemetery South. Donations are being accepted at the Desoto County Sheriff's department, Lantrip benevolent fund.