William "Billy" Guy Loftin

William “Billy” Guy Loftin passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on April 26, 2026, after a hard-fought eight-month battle with cancer.

Billy was born on July 12, 1954, in Columbia, Mississippi to Marshall and Myrtle Loftin. He was the oldest of two sons, alongside his younger brother Marshall “Stoney” Loftin, Jr. Early in his life, the family moved to Norwood, Louisiana, where he formed lifelong friendships that he maintained and cherished throughout the years. He was a proud graduate of Centreville Academy, Class of ’72.

Bill spent more than forty years in the oilfield industry, first starting as a roustabout and retiring as a barge engineer responsible for supervising dozens of crew members. His career took him across the world, and wherever he went, he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of those he worked alongside.

From a young age, Bill developed a strong bond with his father through hard work and shared passions, including bird dogs and smooth-walking horses. His admirable work ethic was evident in the care he gave to his camp outside Centreville, Mississippi. The place was always pristine, never a limb in sight. If you ever missed him, all you had to do was find the fire pit. The man loved to build a fire.

He had a deep love for sports, especially when family members were playing. There wasn’t a game that Papa would miss if he could help it. And if he couldn’t be there in person, he was always there in spirit. Bill loved his family, taking great pride in hosting every family event. He always smiled with joy watching his granddaughters play around the pool at his house in Brandon, Mississippi.

Bill found his true other half later in life and was blessed to spend the last nineteen years with his beloved Michelle. He is preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Myrtle Loftin.

He is survived by his wife Michelle Loftin; his children Jordyn (Caleb) Kleinpeter, Adam Miller, and Will (Julie) Loftin; his brother Stoney (Nedra) Loftin; his cherished grandchildren, Charlotte, Allie, Hannah, and Quinn; and his special pups, Harley and Rags.

Bill will be remembered and celebrated for his love of family and the countless friendships he created throughout his life.

The family would like to thank all those who have reached out with heartfelt condolences and for sharing cherished memories of Bill. They also extend their sincere gratitude to the wonderful oncology care team at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Donations may be made in Billy’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s “Campaign for the Cancer Center and Research Institute.”