- Date Of Birth: August 9, 1929
- Date Of Death: August 17, 2017
- State: Mississippi
William Henry Hitt died on August 17, 2017, at his home in Oxford. He was born on August 9, 1929 in York, Alabama to Irene and Oscar Hitt, both of whom preceded him in death. He has one sister, Stella Hitt Harvell, of York, Alabama. Billy graduated from Sumter County High School where he was a standout athlete and received a football scholarship to Ole Miss. He met and married Mary Helen Clift, originally from Tupelo, while both were students at Ole Miss. They were married for 64 years. Their devotion to each other was remarkable, and without a doubt, the care and love Mary Helen provided kept him going through many medical issues these last years. Billy and Mary Helen have 3 children: Sandra Perkins (Lawrence) of Tupelo, Bill Hitt (Lori) of Pontotoc, and Helen Phillips of Oxford, and 3 grandchildren: Mary Clift Hitt Abdalla (Jerry) of Jackson, William “Collier” Phillips and Andrew “Drew” Clift Phillips of Oxford. They have one great granddaughter, Anne Simon “Sims” Abdalla of Jackson. Known as Billy to most, he was Mama Hitt to his closest college friends. There are many stories as to the origin of this nickname with each involving his football playing days at Ole Miss. While at Ole Miss, Billy played on the team that beat Maryland and the first Ole Miss team to play in the Sugar Bowl. After graduation and marriage, Billy and Mary Helen settled in Aberdeen, MS where they raised their family and he owned the local Ford dealership. Aberdeen Motor Company, “the Ford place”, became the morning coffee spot for many local men. Numerous problems were solved and pranks planned and instigated around the old heater at the Ford place. Billy was always involved in his church and community. He served as President of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, President of the Exchange Club, and was a longtime board member and President of the Aberdeen Monroe County Hospital. Throughout his life, he continued to enjoy his association with Ole Miss and the M Club, where he served as President. In 1998, Billy and Mary Helen retired and moved to Oxford, where they were able to reconnect with old friends, attend Ole Miss events and be involved with their grandchildren’s lives. It was a great time for both of them. Billy lived life to the fullest and had one speed, wide-open. He never met a stranger and would talk to anyone and everyone. He loved Mary Helen and told her that each day. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter and always told each of them how much he loved them. He played a vital role in each of his grandchildren’s lives, teaching them many lessons, most of which can’t be repeated…. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 4:00 p.m…m. until..O. Box 721, Oxford, MS 38655 or to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 113 South 9th Street, Oxford, MS 38655.
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