Feb. 8, 2015

A graveside service for William Warner Starkey Jr., 89, was Wed., Feb. 11, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, Tenn., with friends and family to honor his life of loyalty to them and his country.

Mr. Starkey died peacefully Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, in Mobile. He was born April 12, 1925, in Nashville, Tenn. He married his wife Mable in 1943 before he entered World War II service in the U. S. Navy. He served as a boatswain mate aboard LST827 and maintained contact with his fellow servicemen throughout his lifetime. He returned home in 1945 and began his career with Chemstrand/Monsanto Corporation in Decatur, where he would retire 30 years later and spend several years working for LTS Corporation. A coin collector and carpenter taught by his father, he had an appreciation for antiques and spent countless hours in his woodshop. He and his wife enjoyed a good life together with family and friends as members of First Baptist Church in Hartselle, Southside Baptist in Decatur, and Woodridge Baptist in Mobile. They square danced, traveled to all 50 states and lived a short stint in Ireland when their son was young.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mable Prince Starkey; a son, William Warner Starkey III (Patricia), granddaughters, Louisa Starkey Terrell and Katie Starkey, grandsons, Kevin (Tara) and Warner (Lauren); six great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen Starkey Walker; and a niece, Annetta Sue Walker.

Condolences for the family may be directed to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216