William Charles Lumpkin, Sr.

We are here today to salute the life of William Charles Lumpkin, who everyone knew as Charles. He departed this world on September 15, 2023, in Hattiesburg, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and wisdom. Born on May 23, 1943, in Poplarville, Charles was a man who knew how to turn the soil of life into a crop of joy. He grew up in Poplarville, graduating from Poplarville High School with the Class of 1961. After graduation, he didn't stray far from his roots, dedicating his life to farming, just as his parents, Chalmers and Mayna Lumpkin, had done before him. He was a man who could milk a dairy cow with one hand and flip a burger at his restaurant, Quick Chick, with the other. Charles even served a stint at the sheriff's department, proving that he could wear a badge and a cowboy hat with equal aplomb. In his retirement, Charles swapped the hustle and bustle of dairy farming and serving fast food for a quieter life in Springhill, where he continued to tend to his farm and garden. And let's not forget his love for the New Orleans Saints! Charles was a man of many talents, including the grill and seafood boils. If laughter is the best medicine, then he was surely a master physician, always ready with a joke or a funny story to brighten someone's day. Charles was not just a handyman, a wise advisor, or a funny guy; he was all of these things and more. He was a beacon of light in a sometimes gloomy world, a man who knew the value of hard work and the importance of a good laugh. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and a life well-lived. To say he will be missed is definitely an understatement. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joseph Dallas (JD) Lumpkin, and his sister Betty (Lumpkin) Lee. Charles's spirit lives on in his loving wife of 35 years, Gracie Kathleen Lumpkin, and his children: William Charles "Billy" Lumpkin Jr., Carol (Joey) Boudin, Tammy (Kirby) Campbell, Ricky (Jessica) Lumpkin, Jeremy (Mariela) James, and Mayna Kathleen Lumpkin, and one step-son, Randy Hunt. He also leaves behind his eight grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Joe and Krista Boudin, Josh Campbell, William and Reese Lumpkin, Isabella James, and Raina and Ramsey Hunt as well as two great-grandchildren: Dallas Campbell and Eli Johnson, as well as many nieces and nephews who will all carry his memory in their hearts. Visitation will be held at Trinity Funeral Services' Lumberton office on Tuesday, Sept. 19th beginning at 11:30, followed by a chapel service at 2:00 PM. Afterward Charles will be laid to rest in the Derby Place Cemetery. A reception will follow at Kirby and Tammy Campbell’s home, located at 303 W Pearl St., Poplarville, Mississippi.

The family requests for everyone attending wear something blue if possible, in memory of Charles. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Lumpkin family in their time of need, and asks everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers through this trying time.