William Warner Starkey Jr., born April 12, 1925 in Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, February 8, 2015 in Mobile, Alabama. Bill is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mable Prince Starkey; son, William Warner Starkey III(Patricia); granddaughters, Louisa Starkey Terrell and Katie Starkey; grandsons, Kevin (Tara) and Warner (Lauren); six great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Starkey Walker; and niece, Annetta Sue Walker.
Bill and Mable married in 1943 just before Bill entered World War II service in the United States Navy. He served as a boatswain mate aboard LST827 and maintained contact with his fellow servicemen throughout his lifetime. Bill returned home in 1945 and began his career with Chemstrand/Monsanto Corporation in Decatur where he would retire 30 years later and spend several years working for LTS Corporation. A coin collector and carpenter taught by his father, Bill had an appreciation for antiques and spent countless hours in his woodshop. Bill and Mable enjoyed a good life together with family and friends as members of First Baptist Church in Hartselle, Southside Baptist in Decatur, and Woodridge Baptist in Mobile. They square danced, traveled to all 50 states, and lived a short stint in Ireland when their son was young. Friends and family gathered for a graveside service at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Nashville on February 11 to honor Bill’s life of loyalty to them and to his country. Condolences for the family may be directed to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216.
