William “Bill” Thurston Luckett, aka “Pakaw”, beloved husband, father, brother, cousin, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in his home in Hernando, MS on October 1, 2022, at the age of 80, with his wife by his side and surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He fought and overcame multiple illnesses and nearly fatal accidents over the course of his life. Though illness and aging eventually took their toll, he held on to his sense of humor until the end, letting his family know that though his mortal body was deteriorating, his spirit was still very much alive. Bill was born in Memphis, TN on June 30, 1942 to Mary Alice Hardin and Thurston Luckett and graduated from Whitehaven High School in 1962. In 1966, Bill reconnected with a former girlfriend, Anne Isbell, also the best friend of his younger sister. They married on December 3, 1966. Together they successfully raised six children who all grew up to become the best of friends and who attribute their successes in life to the way their parents raised them. Bill and Anne made a beautiful memory with their family and friends celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2016 and would have celebrated their 56th anniversary this December. He is survived by his wife, Frances “Anne” Isbell, his brothers, Ronny and Frank Luckett, his children Debbie (Shawn) Cole, Tricia (Jim) Gidden, Ronny Luckett, Jason (Emily) Luckett, Carolyn (Heath) Grames, and Becky (Mason) Joy, 26 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, seven nieces and five nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Alice Hardin, his father, Thurston Luckett and his three younger siblings, Elaine Luckett, Gary Luckett, and David Luckett. Bill is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Senatobia, MS. Throughout his earthly membership in the Church of Jesus Christ he volunteered his time and talents in various service callings such as Ward Executive Secretary, Elder's Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, Primary Teacher, Ward Activity Leader and Young Men's President. Bill was known for his love, knowledge, and interest in airplanes and cars, specifically classic cars. He leaves behind a 1957 Chevrolet, one of the first on the streets of Memphis, Tennessee, owned by his father, Thurston Luckett and willed to him at his father's passing. Bill was eventually able to have his '57 Chevy restored and took his children and grandchildren for a drive in it during their 2015 “Luckett Fest” family reunion. He even let a couple of his grandsons get behind the wheel. In June of 2022, Bill's family celebrated his 80th birthday with him, complete with a classic car parade, put on by volunteer family members, friends, and selfless members of the community. After the parade, Bill's son, Jason, was able to take him for a ride in a 1963 Chevy truck, similar to one Bill used to own. Bill's children have fond memories of being allowed to accompany him to the airport on Sunday afternoons for a leisurely walk around the grounds to admire the airplanes. He could identify multiple types & styles of airplanes as well as classic cars by make, model, and year just by seeing their tail lights in the distance. Though a definite disciplinarian, Bill was also “the fun” parent, who often took his children out to ride go-karts, or out for donuts or ice cream, taught them to shoot guns and to play some of his favorite games; monopoly, chess, solitaire, black-jack, and checkers. Bill shared an incredible love for Christmas time with his family. His children have many fond memories of his Christmas traditions, such as bringing home large peppermint logs, chopping them up and putting the pieces in a candy jar for the family to enjoy. Sitting around the living room fireplace together, they would crack and eat a big bag of mixed nuts he had picked up while he was out. The time he would spend shopping for “the perfect” live Christmas tree and the meticulous way he would decorate it is a standout memory. Icicles were NOT to be casually thrown onto the tree. As one son put it, “You had to earn the right to help dad put the icicles on the tree.” He took his time to place them, strand by strand, assuring the creation of a magical winter wonderland inside their home. All this took place while Elvis Christmas music played in the background on the 8-track.
Bill loved all kinds of music. He passed on his love of Elvis music to his children and grandchildren and found great joy in listening to his wife play the piano and his children sing and play the various instruments they learned in their youth. He enjoyed classical, country, rock and roll and gospel music. Bill was also a talented dancer. He won dance competitions in his teenage and young-adult years and enjoyed dancing “The Bop” with his wife, Anne. Throughout their years of marriage, the couple were always happy to oblige their family and friends as they danced together at every party or event they attended, even as recently as 2017, at the ages of 70 & 75. Although Bill endured many earthly trials throughout his life, his testimony of his Heavenly Father, his Savior, Jesus Christ, and the great Plan of Salvation never wavered. His legacy of faith has blessed his family and the ripple effect will continue to bless them for generations to come. To celebrate and honor Bill's life, all are invited to attend a viewing Wednesday, October 5th, 2022, 5:00p.m.-8:00p.m. at Hernando Funeral Home, 2285 Highway 51 South. A funeral service will be held Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 10:00a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 12735 MS-4, in Senatobia, MS, with the graveside service immediately following at Love Cemetery, 6999 McCracken Road in Hernando.