William Mack Stovall Obituary

Submitted by: David Webb

Source: The Tupelo Journal, March 21, 1906

Son of J.P. and M. L. Stovall, was born Dec. 26, 1879, and died March 8, 1906, aged 29 years 2 months and 10 days.  He was united in marriage to Miss Ellie Partlow in December, 1899, and leaves a true, loving wife, three little girls, an aged father, one brother, two sisters, and a host of friends to mourn his loss.  He was just in the prime of life a perfect picture of health, a model of manhood, strength and vigor, and died of an accidental pistol shot in his own hand.  Coming of Christian parents he was placed in covenant relations with  God by baptism in infancy and although his life was a checkered one, first good and then good again and better and best at the last.  Much in the beginning worthy of emulation and much in the latter years to be praised and his deathbed experience to be coveted by the best Christian in this Christian land.  He was a devoted husband, an indulgent father, a dutiful son, an affectionate brother, a willing and cheerful supporter of the church, a liberal contributor to all charitable purposes, a
good citizen, and a loyal member of any brotherhood of which he was a member. He possessed some noble traits of character; he would not bear malice in his heart to anybody, and always exhibited a willingness to be friendly and said that the longest life was too short to spend any of it in malice.  He would not betray a confidence when entrusted and always tried to help the needy.  When told by the doctor that he had but a few hours to live, it did not excite him in the least, but very calmly replied, "I know it, I am willing and ready to go. It is God's call. I  submit cheerfully and trust implicitly in Christ and leave my family in God's hands. He will take care of them."  Surely there is a crown laid up in heaven for him.  Surely there was a joyful and happy reunion at the portals of heaven when the pearly gates were opened and his spirit was ushered into the beautiful city of God and met with that of his mother, which was standing at the gate watching and waiting for her darling baby boy, for whose salvation she had so often prayed in this life.  Those of us who are left sorrowing only for our loss; and we sorrow not as those who have no hope; we rejoice over his victory; we have lost a husband, father, son, brother, friend, and comrade.  He has vanquished the last enemy, and has gained a heaven of rest, a home, a place that Jesus hath prepared for him in one of the many mansions in the city of our God:
 

"Though cast down, we're not forsaken
Tho afflicted, not alone;
Thou didst give and thou has taken;
Blessed Lord, Thy will be done.

"By thy hands the boon was given.
Thou hast taken but thine own
Lord of earth, and God of heaven, -
Evermore - Thy will be done."

- J.P. Stovall