James William (Bill) Mangum was born on July 12, 1928. He passed away peacefully on July 17, 2023, at the age of 95 years & 5 days after a brief illness. Visitation will be Saturday, July 22nd from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. The service will follow at the funeral home chapel at 1:00 p.m. with Bro. Jerry Rea officiating.
Bill grew up in Waterloo Alabama. He had to take on adult responsibilities as a young teenager when his father went to the South Pacific to serve in WWII. He helped his mother care for family members while working at his grandpa’s store.
Bill attended Larimore Business College in Florence. He married Carol Pickens on May 10, 1952. They were married for 64 years.
In 1959, Bill opened Mangum’s Furniture. He made many friends through the years while furnishing their homes. He sold the business in 1992. Bill was a long-time member of North Wood Methodist Church. In later years he attended Woodmont Baptist Church. One of Bill’s favorite hobbies was traveling. He also loved gardening, both flowers and vegetables. He never completely retired going to work twice a week till the very end. His office was located in his daughter’s store. You could find him there every Monday and Thursday taking care of business concerning his rental properties. His children Jim, Sam, and Caroline would join him at 9:00 for coffee and conversation. He enjoyed political discussions about all parties with him always leaning to the right.
For the last three years, Bill loved living at Renaissance Assisted Living. He and lifelong friend Marion Darby spent many hours rocking on the front porch. They were often joined by special friend, Barbara Mabry.
Bill was preceded in death by wife, Carol Pickens Mangum; parents, George W. and A. Mootelle Mangum; sister, Mary Eloise Roby (Toad); and son-in-law, Robert E. Moore.
Bill is survived by sons, Jim Mangum and Sam Mangum (Patti); and daughter, Caroline Moore. Also, by grandchildren, Tom Mangum (Lindsey), Kyle Mangum (Jessica), Anna Glover (Kris), Mick Mangum and Jack Mangum. Great grandchildren, William and Elizabeth Mangum, Grayson and Bennett Mangum, Elijah and Evan Glover; and nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Tom Mangum, Kyle Mangum, Mick Mangum, Jack Mangum, Kris Glover, William Roby, and Lewis Hairell.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woodmont Baptist Church Mission Funds or Faith Church Kingdom Builders.
