Frank Landel McWilliams died peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.
Frank was born in Indianola Oct. 22, 1946, the third son of James Holmes McWilliams and Lucille Mathews McWilliams, and was raised in Holly Ridge. He attended Indianola High School with the Class of 1964 and was a graduate of Columbia Military Academy. He attended Mississippi State University, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Frank served his country with the United States Navy, assigned to the Marines as a medical corpsman. He graduated from Millsaps College and the University of Mississippi School of Law. He practiced law in Indianola and served as the prosecuting attorney for Sunflower County, Mississippi. Frank later served as the public defender in Hinds County until his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lucille McWilliams; and his brother, Tommy McWilliams.
Frank leaves his son, D. Rials McWilliams (Courtney); and his grandson, John Rials McWilliams, of Madison. He is also survived by two brothers, James E. McWilliams of Holly Ridge, and Johnny McWilliams of Indianola; as well as nieces and nephews, Matt McWilliams (Wendy) of Brandon, Hayden Hooper (Bob) of Brownsville, Tenn., Katie McWilliams of Leland, Mason McWilliams (Lena) of Memphis, and Jack McWilliams (Tiffany) of Cleveland; and a host of great-nephews and nieces and countless special friends.
Frank loved people deeply and was likewise loved by all who knew him.
Services will be held at Indianola First Methodist Church Saturday, Oct. 14, with visitation at 1 p.m. and the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Indianola City Cemetery under the direction of Boone Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Indianola First Methodist Church, where Frank was a lifelong member.
