William L. Lott

William L. (W.L.) Lott departed this life in the loving company of his family on June 26, 2018. He was born in Grenada, Mississippi, on May 10, 1934 as the youngest of three children to Clarence and Annabelle Lott. He lived in Grenada until 1955 when he moved to Batesville, Mississippi, with his bride, Carol Jean Spraberry Lott, and their infant son, Criss, to begin a career in the grocery business. For the next eighteen years, he worked as a butcher, learning the craft of his trade and honing his skills as a businessman. During that time, the young family grew to include another son, Dennis, and two darling daughters, Laci and Tabitha.

Mr. Lott then realized his dream of entrepreneurship. He launched a series of businesses in Batesville and the surrounding area which came to include several convenience stores and a hardware store. Although a masterful “horse trader” with a head for numbers, he most enjoyed working with the public. He was never too busy to help a customer, and he made good service his stock-in-trade.

Mr. Lott’s desire to always do his best extended even to his hobbies. He collected no fewer than six street rods over the years and was especially fond of a 1934 Buick that won “Best in Show” on more than one occasion. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson trike to and from Grenada and to Ridgeland.

Despite work and family commitments, Mr. Lott was also devoted to his community. He was a faithful member of the Batesville Church of Christ for 62 years, and he served as a Wahabi Shriner and Master Mason member of Panola Lodge #66. He and Carol Jean were also ardent supporters of the Delta Street Rods, often offering to cook catfish for the car club and its guests at the annual "Catfish Run".

His greatest legacy, however, was as the family patriarch. Although a big man whose physique alone was imposing, he had a gentle soul and a kind spirit. He always took the time to listen, sympathize, and support his family – no matter the source or size of the problem. He unfailingly gave the love he received, and more. He will be missed as deeply as he was loved.

Mr. Lott was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Annabelle Lott; his wife, Carol Jean Lott; his daughter, Tabitha Lott; his daughter-in-law, Peggy Lott; and his sister, Motel Todd. He is survived by his sister, Claudine Beck; sons Criss and Dennis Lott and their wives, Deneise and Kathy Lott, respectively; his daughter and son-in-law, Laci and Ernie Capwell; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Teresa and Mike Philley; brother-in-law Lamar Spraberry; grandchildren, Brett Lott, Tyler Lott, Courtney Capwell Darby, Taylor Capwell Elliott, Chris Lott, Will Ashford, Shelby Nunnelley, Caroline Lott, Turner Lott; and great-grandchildren, Slater & Sydney Elliott, Lane & Taylor McMillen, Sophie & Gracie Vego, Ayden & Ella Ashford. 

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at Wells Funeral Home, with funeral services at 11:00 on Friday, June 29 at the Batesville Church of Christ. Interment will follow at the Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville.

Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to Sardis Lake Christian Camp.