William J. Rail

William Joseph ?Bill? Rail, 77, left this life surrounded by his family and friends on August 14, 2007 in his home in Mt. Pleasant, TN.

Funeral services for Mr. Rail will be conducted Saturday at 5:00 P.M. in the chapel of Williams Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Jeff Durham, Randy Kersey and Porter King officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens.

The family will visit with friends on Friday from 2:00 ? 8:00 P.M. at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer and on Saturday from 12:00 Noon until time of services at Williams Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.

He was a dual resident of Mt. Pleasant and Selmer, TN. Born in Mt. Pleasant, TN, June 10, 1930, he graduated from Hay Long High School in 1950. He started his career in the newspaper industry after attending the Nashville School of Printing as a trained linotype operator. He returned to Mt. Pleasant after brief employment in Lexington, KY, to begin a career in journalism. He spent twenty-four years working and eventually publishing the Mt. Pleasant Record. In 1976 he moved to Selmer, TN and purchased McNairy Publishing Company, publishers of the Independent Appeal and Adamsville News.

Bill was a quiet man with a strong wit and charm. He was passionate about people and fascinated by their stories. He cherished his friends and family. Til the end, he never lost his sense of humor and positive attitude. His spirit will always remain strong.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry Urbin and Anna Theresa Kelly Rail of Mt. Pleasant; daughter Deborah Rail Boshers of Mt. Pleasant and brother Richard J.late Carolyn Rail of Detroit. He is survived by his wife Betty Rone Rail; daughter Janet Rail of Selmer, TN, William Kim Rail of Gulf Shores, AL; brothers Harry Ann Rail , Henry Elsie Rail both from Mt. Pleasant, TN, Tom Ethel Rail of Phelps, WI, and one sister Francis late Odell Rail Bradburn of Columbia; grandchildren Sam Julie Boshers , Kelly and Matthew Boshers all of Columbia, Spencer Samantha Rail of Shelbyville, TN, Rachel, Robbie, Ryan, Jake and Logan Rail of Gulf Shores, AL; and two great-grandchildren Sheali and Sydney.

Bill?s philanthropic endeavors included founding The Academic Awards Banquet for the 8 schools in McNairy County held for the past 21 years, an annual baseball tournament in McNairy County to fund uniforms and equipment for both High School Baseball Teams in its 23rd year as well as Warm The Children Fund to provide clothing for needy children in the community.

He was an active member of the East View Church of Christ in Selmer and Main Street Church of Christ in Mt. Pleasant. A long time member of the Tennessee Press Association, he was currently serving on the TPA Foundation Board, Member of the National Newspaper Association, Rotary Club in Selmer Citizen of the Year; former Lions Club in Mt. Pleasant and various Boards in his communities.

He requested special thanks to all the caregivers of Caris Hospice in Columbia; Kindred Healthcare in New Orleans, Maury Regional Hospital and all devoted caregivers, especially his wife. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Academic Awards Fund, PO Box 220, Selmer, TN 38375 , Kids on Stage, c/o Smelter Service Corp., 400 Arrow Mines Road, Mt. Pleasant, Tn 38474 or to the Cars For Kids Victims Fund c/o Home Banking Company, 795 East Poplar Avenue, Selmer, TN 38375.

Pallbearers will be Sammy Boshers, Spencer Rail, Robbie Rail, Ryan Rail, Tim Rail, Sam Boshers III, Matthew Boshers and Theodore Durham. Honorary pallbearers will be Hay Long High School Class of 1950 and their spouses, members of the Rotary Club of Selmer, past and present members of the Lions Club of Mt. Pleasant, Dr. Paul Sands, Jim T. Hamilton, Billy Smith, Billy Joe Wren, Phillip Crews, Mark Boehler, Scott Whaley, Jim Thompson, and Victor ?Earl? Accardo and members of the Tennessee Press Association.