JACKSON, Miss.–Former state Sen. Billy Thames will be buried Friday after a 10 a.m. funeral at Pinelake Church, near the Ross Barnett Reservoir. He died Tuesday at 69 from complication with a surgery for colon cancer, his wife said.
Thames served for 28 years, from 1980 to 2008, and chose not to seek re-election. Thames was a Democrat and championed causes like mental health and agriculture issues.
“I was saddened to hear of my friend Sen. Billy Thames’ passing,” said Gov. Phil Bryant Wednesday.” As state auditor, I worked with Billy on a number of issues including the overhaul in how the state accounts for its fleet of vehicles. All those who knew Billy will miss him. Deborah and I extend our sincere condolences to Ann and the children.”
Thames and his wife Anne lived in Brandon. He had been a self-employed lobbyist the past five years.
