PRIEST, William Jackson

Black’s Show Low Mortuary, Show Low, Arizona William Jackson Priest (September 15, 1914 ~ June 6, 2012) William Jackson Priest, age 97, passed away at his home on June 6, 2012 surrounded by his family. He was born on September 15, 1914 in Bartlett, Texas. William Priest was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for over 75 years. He was also a member of the Odd Fellows lodge. He loved learning and took many classes at Eastern Arizona College later in life. Bill served in the US Navy during World War II from 1943-1945. He served aboard 2 ships – the USS Pennsylvania and USS Callahan, of which he survived its sinking off Okinawa. Bill was employed by Phelps Dodge Mining Company for over 30 years and retired in 1978. He also worked in Alaska and New Mexico with different employers. His hobby was mostly his garden and growing great squash, tomatoes, cabbage, peas and more. He would take extra food to his sisters that lived in Safford. He enjoyed making bolo Indian ties that he loved to wear with his western shirts. He also loved giving them to others as gifts. History and Geology were subjects that he had a great passion for studying. Reading the Holy Scriptures was also a very important part of his studies and his life. He practiced playing the piano by ear since he knew 4 or 5 hymns from going to church for so long. He used a keyboard for many years and then was able to purchase an electric piano and change it to an organ sound. In 1958 Bill and the love of his life, Laura Jane, were sealed for all time and eternity in the Mesa Temple. After 55 years of marriage Laura Jane passed away in September 2002. He then lived alone for 4 years in Safford. After that, his daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Bill Hall, moved him to Gilbert, Arizona to live with them. He lived with them for 6 years before his passing. Bill was preceded in death by his Parents Norma Jane (Allison) and Daniel Ephraim Priest, Wife – Laura Jane Priest ( Perry), Brother – Daniel Earl Priest, Sisters – Nancy Isabelle Kendrick (Priest), Norma Joanna Cavin (Priest) and Alice Elizabeth Kid (Priest). He is survived by his Son – Robert Ross Priest, Daughter – Sharon Hall (Priest), Sisters – Dorothy Blanch Shirley (Priest) and Hycinthia Lorayne Price (Priest), 9 Grandchildren, 26 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great- Great Grandchildren, numerous Nieces and Nephews and many friends. Services will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Solomon Ward. Viewing will begin at 8 AM with the service beginning at 9. Interment will be immediately following at Safford Union Cemetery.