Master Sergeant (Retired) William Hollingsworth
January 24, 1947 - June 2nd 2025

Born January 24, 1947, Victoria, Texas, to Warren and Martha T. Hollingsworth. Was preceded in death by both parents and a brother in infant death, Edward Hollingsworth, and one sister, Rosa Lane H. Franklin.

He was a graduate of Macon High School in 1964, which was then known as Macon Colored High School. Attended Alcorn A&M College 1 year after graduation, and enlisted in the United States Air Force June 9, 1965, until August 1, 1985. Total active duty of military service was 20 years, 1 month, and 22 days. He served in the Vietnam War Nov. 66 to Nov. 67 at Cam Ranh Bay and also served 3 one-year tours of duty in South Korea, 2 tours of duty in Thailand.

He loved the sport of boxing. He won the Wichita Southwest Golden Glove championship in the light middleweight novice division 1969 in Wichita, Kansas, the Idaho State Golden in the senior division 1973 in Boise, Idaho, also the Intermountain AAU Regional Championship 1973 in Elko, Nevada.

Grew up in Macon and was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, became a certified Lay Speaker Minister March 2, 1987. United with Charity Missionary Baptist in Crawford, MS in 1988. Also served as a Deacon. United with Jesus is the Door Pentecostal Church in 1991. Served as a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. He also loved fishing and caught many.

He leaves to cherish his memories to one brother, Benjamin Hollingsworth of Columbus, MS and special nephew/son, Derrick C. (Sheilah) Franklin of Atlanta GA and nephew, Benjamin Porter (Benjamin Porter Jr.) of Miami FL, two nieces, LèRonica Franklin and VèRonica Harris of Columbus, MS five great-nieces, Che'Ronica Franklin (A'Riel Wells) of Columbus MS, Sa'Herah Wells of Tyler TX, Dequainda Stewart (MáLaysiá Lewis & Avá Rivera) of Dallas TX, Emmèaira Harris & ZáRájhia A.S. Franklin of Atlanta GA;  five great nephews, JáDarryl Franklin of Columbus MS, Jur-Rhonn (Jy'Mir Franklin) of Brooksville MS, JèVon Franklin-Barnett of Little Rock, AR and Kobè Stewart of Daytona, FL; four great-great nieces, and three great-great nephews; and a host of cousins, other relatives, church family members, and friends.