William Butler Earthman Jr., 81, died at Promise Hospital Thursday, May 21, 2015.

He was born in Harriman, Tenn., Sept. 7, 1933, and lived the last 11 years in Vicksburg. He was married to Mary Ellen Morlas Earthman for 60 years.

He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1954 and retired from International Paper after 38 years, serving in various engineering and management positions. After retiring, he worked as project manager for Raytheon in Mobile, Ala. He was a licensed professional engineer and a former member of A.S.M.E and T.A.P.P.I. After his second retirement, he had an antique business and was an advocate and board member of the Vicksburg-Warren Humane Society.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William B. Earthman Sr. and Elizabeth Earthman; and his granddaughter, Cathryn Brumbelow.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ellen Morlas Earthman; three daughters, Ellen (Tommy) Presson of Vicksburg, Lucine Hawn of Vicksburg, and Aminda Brumbelow of Mobile, Ala.; grandchildren, David Fletcher of Norfolk, Va. Adam Brumbelow of Pensacola, Fla., Nick Presson of Vicksburg and Samantha Hawn of Vicksburg; and great-grandchildren.

Memorials can be made to Vicksburg-Warren Humane Society 6600 Highway 61 S. Vicksburg, Ms. 39180.