Mr. Willie Kimes

Willie Kimes, 66, of Monroe, LA and a native of Durant, MS, passed away on April 30, 2025, at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. Willie was born to the late Frank Kimes Jr. and Leonie Prymer-Kimes on September 15,1958, in Durant, Holmes County, Mississippi. Willie was a member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Monroe, LA. Willie was a May 1976 graduate of Durant High School. Willie enrolled at Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS where he graduated in May 1980, Cum Laude. Later, Willie earned his Master’s of Business Administration Degree from Troy State University, in Troy, AL. Willie was an active member and officer of the Alcorn Alumni Association and the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. On September 10, 1983, Willie joined in holy matrimony with Gloria Jordan, the love of his life, and to this union one son was born, Brandon DeShawn Kimes. Brandon was welcomed by his big brother, Sharod Wilkes. Willie was blessed with three grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Willie began his professional career initially as an educator for the Warren County School District. He pivoted into the private sector with Entergy where he completed forty (40) years of service. He rose to the 2nd highest position available as the Transmission Substation North Louisiana Manager. Upon retirement, Willie became a consultant in the electrical safety industry. He held that role for several years. Wille was an avid hunter, fisherman, and was a very loyal Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved to host barbeques, parties and attend family gatherings. When Willie retired, he took up gardening. His "joy" was to work in his greenhouse in his backyard where he grew a variety of vegetables. In addition to his parents, Frank Kimes and Leonie Prymer Kimes, Willie was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mary and Harvey Prymer; paternal grandparents, Frank and Viola Kimes; aunts: Flora, Anna, Annie Mae, Gussie, and Lorene; uncles: Charles, David, William, Dock Eddie, Richard, Andrew and Samuel; brother, Richard Lee; and a grandson, Sharod Wilkes, Jr. Willie leaves to Cherish his memories his beloved and devoted wife of forty-one years, Gloria Kimes; two sons: Sharod (Alisha) of Jackson, MS and Brandon DeShawn Kimes of Lafayette, LA; three grandchildren: Ashara and Shaliah Wilkes of Jackson, and Katrina Wesley of Vicksburg, MS; one great granddaughter, Sabrina Sweet-Davis of Vicksburg, MS; 3 sisters: Bettye Jackson of Fayette, MS, Dorothy (Milton) Ramey of Lithonia, GA, Lisa (Calvin) Bruce of Brandon, MS; 3 brothers: Frank III (Mary) Kimes of Pickens, MS, Harvey (Francine) Kimes of Lexington, MS, John Kimes of Jackson, MS; a mother -in-law, Mae Frances Jordan of Durant, MS; two sisters- in-law: Bettie A. Mallett of Sallis, MS, and Eliza Odie of Killeen, TX; a brother- in -law, Sam Francis Williams of Durant, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will forever cherish his memory and legacy. Public Visitation will be Friday, May 16, 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Hairston-Hairston Funeral Home in Lexington, MS. Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 17, 11:00 am at Durant M.B. Church, 16455 N. Jackson, Durant, MS. Interment at Kimes-Wood (Hudson) Cemetery, 17896 Emory Rd., West, MS.

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Mr. Willie Kimes

September 15, 1958 - April 30, 2025