William Burford Conway

William Burford Conway was born November 27, 1942, in Kilgore, Texas to Dorothy Burford Conway and Thomas James Conway. William grew up in Tyler where his father owned oil rigs. His family moved to Mississippi before his senior year, during which he played football and was offered a football scholarship to a small college. He ended up choosing to attend Mississippi State University to major in Premed as his father wished. When it came time to start his Premed journey, the oil business was down, and William was told he’d have to fund his schooling himself; instead, he became a salesman and paint chemist, working with paint used for metal buildings and roofs. William Married Hesta Windell Conway on October 23rd, 1965. Together they had two children, David Windell Conway and Jill Ashley Conway Basener. Bill worked very hard and traveled often. He could repair just about anything as evidenced by his tools and electric saw; he could install a dishwasher and even drive an eighteen-wheeler full of oil rig equipment. Bill was a huge Mississippi State sports fan especially football. Years ago, he arranged a business trip on a Friday in the state where Mississippi had a Saturday game. He was hoping to meet the team at some point; not only did that happen, but they invited him to dinner! Bill had many other interests, especially anything related to World War II – he knew a seemingly endless amount of information and read many books on the topic. Bill had bypass surgery that went poorly in 2006. It changed his life, but he rehabbed and was eventually able to drive again. The last few years Bill struggled with his health declining from diabetes and other health problems. Despite those challenges, he was a very generous man. He always remained a devoted Christian and loved it when pastors came to check on him. William is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Thomas James Conway. He is survived by his wife, Hesta Conway, son, David Windell Conway, his daughter Jill Ashley Conway Basener, his sister Carol MacRae, his seven nieces and nephews, and his treasured grandchildren: Amelia Conway, William Robert Basener, Truman Conway, and Kate Basener.

William Burford Conway

November 27, 1942 - January 3, 2024