James W. "Bill" Autry

Private Graveside services for Mr. James W. “Bill” Autry will be Friday, April 10, 2020 at Magnolia Cemetery with the Reverend Dr. Mark Benson officiating. Interment will follow graveside rites. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Autry, 56, of Meridian, passed away Monday, April 6, 2020 at Anderson Regional Medical Center of Meridian.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Meridian and graduated from Meridian High School in 1981. He attended Meridian Community College where he played tennis for two years. Bill went on to graduate from MSU in 1985 with a degree in Microbiology before returning to college to receive his B.A. in Accounting. He was the owner Autry Consulting Services, LLC. in Meridian and was also the longtime tennis coach at Lamar School. He helped with numerous other tennis programs and taught private lessons for many years. He was an Elder and Youth Director at First Christian Church in Meridian and also served in various other capacities for many years.  Bill also coached Tee Ball for the Challenger League for many years. He deeply loved his family, his church, and his community. He taught his family to love the Lord and seek Him by caring for others.

Bill is survived by his wife of over 11 years, Genie Autry; sons, Jack Autry and William Autry; parents, Jim and Sylvia Autry; mother-in-law, Cathy Feltenstein, siblings, Paul Autry (Michelle), Andy Autry, Katie Autry; brother-in-law, Brad Feltenstein (Meghan) as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Bill is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James V. Autry and Ann Meador Autry Jones; maternal grandparents, Maxine and C.A. “Skeeter” Lang. His first wife, Laurie M. Autry; and Father-in-law, Guy Feltenstein.

The family requests memorials be made as donations to The Laurie M. Autry Memorial Fund for Special Needs Children or to First Christian Church of Meridian, both addressed to P.O. Box 691 Meridian, MS 39302 in lieu of flowers.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com

There will be a memorial service scheduled at a later date for the public due to the pandemic of               covid-19.