William Thomas Stratton. Jr. William Thomas Stratton, Jr., 85 of Columbus, MS passed to his heavenly home, Sunday, January 22, 2012 at his residence. Visitation for Mr. Stratton will be Tuesday, January 24, 2012 from 6- 8 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 11: 00 AM in the Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Steve Street officiating. Interment will be in Beersheba Cemetery, Columbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home directing. Mr. Stratton was born January 18, 1927 to the late William Thomas and Evie Hughes Stratton in Lowndes County, MS. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired in 1987 after 23 years with Bell Helicopter, Grand Prairie, TX. He moved back to Columbus 25 years ago. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, Columbus, MS where he was a deacon, usher and enjoyed working with the nursing home ministry. He liked painting landscapes, playing guitar, drawing and reading schematics and building radios. In addition to his parents, Mr. Stratton was preceded in death by his wife, Lenore Stratton. Mr. Stratton is survived by His daughters – Kathy (Gary) Rollwage, Arlington, TX, Donna (Greg) Ready, Arlington, TX, Patricia (Patrick) Whitfield, Arlington, TX, son – David (Anna) Stratton, Waynesville, NC, sisters – Mae Keller, Columbus, MS and Gail Street, Columbus, MS, Grandchildren – Elizabeth Fowler, Samantha Ready, Melanie Stratton, Michael Stratton Michaela Stratton, Phylicia Whitfield, Patrice Whitfield, Matthew Stratton, Philip Whitfield, Patrick Ready, Chris Rollwage, one niece and a host of nephews and friends. Honorary Pallbearers are Barry Hunt, Sonny Glenn, Mike Stratton, Ricky Stratton and former members of New Hope Baptist Church, Columbus, MS. Memorials may be made to the charity of the Donor's choice.