W.R. Wing

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - William Ralph "W.R." Wing, 79, formerly of East Prairie, Mo., died at 1 p.m. May 1, 2003, at his home.

Born Dec. 2, 1923, in Lake City, Ark., son of the late Jimmy Marion Wing and Ollie Craft Wing Smith, he owned Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises in Tupelo, Starkville and Meridian, Miss., before retiring. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he was also a member of the Germantown Church of Christ.

On March 31, 1941, he married Lolita "Tootsie" Bard who survives of the home.

He was preceded in death by one son, Terry L. Wing.

Other survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy R. and Della M. Wing of Oxford, Miss.; one daughter-in-law, Judy Boykin Wing of Meridian; and six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie, where services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday. Glen McCullough will officiate.

Burial will follow in East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Todd Wing, Jason Wing, Judson Wing, Layton Brown, Clark Kacricher and Jason Gibson.