MERIDIAN —



    Services for William “Dwight” Barham will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Eddie Rester officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

    Mr. Barham, 81, of Hattiesburg, died Friday at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian.

    A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Mr. Barham was a long-time employee of The Meridian Star where he worked in the Circulation Department. He retired in 1990, and in March, 1991 went to work for the O.C. Barham Funeral Home in Meridian and Newton.

    A past commander of the American Legion Post 125, Mr. Barham was also a member of the 40 & 8, and was a member and past commander of the DAV Chapter 56. After moving to Hattiesburg in 2000, he and his wife Berneice became active members of Parkway Heights United Methodist Church where they enjoyed engaging in several church activities, especially their membership in the Seekers Sunday School Class.

    Prior to their move to Hattiesburg from Meridian, the Barhams were long time active members of Poplar Springs Drive United Methodist Church.

    As a past president and lifetime member of the North Hills Optimist Club, for over two decades, Mr. Barham could be found cooking for children of all ages as they enjoyed playing or observing a game of ball at Phil Hardin Park.

    It was during his term as president of the club, that the land for Phil Hardin Park was purchased and the fields were built for the youth of Meridian.  It has been said many times that no one has fed more people in Meridian, than Dwight Barham.

    Playing the game of Dominoes, participating in Glory Club, gardening and canning, and proudly being a supporter of all things USM and his grandchildren’s activities, Dwight Barham will be remembered for being a quiet soul who always bore a smile on his face and kindness in his heart.

    Truly, he has brought the passage Isaiah 40:31 to fruition: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. ”

    Survivors include his wife of 54 years,  Berneice Jones Barham of Hattiesburg, son Benjie Barham and wife Pam of Clinton, grandchildren: Benjamin, Brennan and Barrett Barham all of Clinton; brothers Jairus P. Barham and wife Amy of Decatur, O.C. Barham and wife Ruth of Meridian, special neighbors Brian, Shannon, Keith and Klaire Bennett of Hattiesburg and numerous nieces and nephews.

    Mr. Barham was preceded in death by his daughter Beverly, parents Otis and Ada Barham, four brothers and four sisters.

    The family requests that memorials be sent to the Beverly Barham Memorial Scholarship Fund at Meridian Community College, c/o MCC’s Foundation Office, 910 Hwy. 19 North, Meridian, MS  39307, Poplar Springs Drive United Methodist Church, 3937 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian;  39305, or Parkway Heights United Methodist Church, 2420 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg;  39401.

    Honorary pallbearers will be members of the American Legion Post 125, DAV Chapter 56, and the Seekers Sunday School Class.

    Family and friends may sign the online guest book at robertbarhamffh.com

    Visitation will be today from noon until 2 p.m. at Parkway Heights United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg, and on Sunday, 4-6 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in Meridian.