The community mourns the passing of Phil Williams, a beloved local banker and civic leader, who passed away following an automobile accident in Yazoo County last week.
The accident occurred around 3:18 p.m. on Jan. 8 at the intersection of Highway 49 and Highway 433 in the Bentonia area.
Williams, the driver of a GMC Canyon, was traveling northbound on Highway 49 when his vehicle collided with a school bus that was traveling westbound on Highway 433 through the intersection, according to Sheriff Jeremy McCoy.
“The impact caused the GMC Canyon to overturn multiple times,” McCoy said.
Yazoo County Coroner Ricky Shivers said Pafford paramedics pronounced Williams, 63, dead on the scene from multi-system trauma.
“There were two students aboard the school bus at the time of the accident,” added McCoy. “Neither the children nor the bus driver sustained injuries.”
McCoy said the accident remains under investigation.
“Our deepest condolences are extended to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” he added.
Family and friends remember Williams for his love of golf, his quick wit and his love for the Grateful Dead. Born to the late Charles D. Williams Jr. and Marsha Dunn Williams, he was a graduate of Manchester Academy and later received a bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance and an MBA in Finance and Economics from his beloved Ole Miss. He was also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU.
Phil followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps at The Bank of Yazoo, where he worked for 39 years. He held many positions including teller, AS/400 computer operator and lender. He also served as Executive Vice President for several years overseeing the Bank’s operations, information technology, and regulatory compliance efforts. He was a Bank and Holding Company Director and served as Chairman since 2010. He served on the MYB Executive Council, Legislative Committee, Insurance Committee and as Chairman of VEBA Trustees.
Phil was involved in numerous community organizations and served as President of the Yazoo County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Yazoo, Yazoo Downtowners’ Association and the Yazoo City Lions Club.
