William Howard Avent, 80, born Feb. 28, 1927, in Webster County, retired from Babcock & Wilcox in West Point, died Sunday, May 27, 2007, at his residence in Clarkson.

He was a member of Clarkson Baptist Church and Mathiston Double Springs Duel Masonic Lodge, and he was president of Hawkeye Hunting Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing at Grenada Lake and his "grand younguns."

Mr. Avent was preceded in death by his parents, Vester and Lula Avent, and a sister, Florene Perrigan.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Hazel Kendall Avent of Clarkson; daughter, Ilene Avent Maloney and husband, Perry, of Indianola; sons, Marcus Avent and wife Bonnie, of Eupora, Terry Avent of Mathiston, Tony Avent and wife, Connie, of Mathiston; a sister, Edna Avent McBride of Mathiston; grandchildren, Angela Avent Tindall and husband, Jason, of Eupora, Christy Avent Walker and husband, Matt, of Canton, Jody Avent of Eupora, Beverly Avent of Mathiston, Tim Platt of Mathiston, Maegan Maloney of Indianola, and Morgan Maloney of Indianola; great-granddaughters, Christen Tindall of Eupora and Mary Tristen Walker of Canton; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and lots of friends. He is also survived by his constant companion, his dog, Missy.

Paw-Paw will be remembered for his laughter, great stories and love for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Pallbearers will be Scott McBride, Matt Walker, Jason Tindall, Jody Avent, Timothy Platt and Perry Maloney.