Tree kills man during storms

CANTON — A man here died after a tree fell on him in his carport during severe weather last Friday morning, the authorities said.

Canton Police Chief Otha Brown identified the victim as 67-year-old Wilbert Williams. 

Brown said Williams was found dead when officers arrived at his Douglas Street home. Brown said Williams was in his carport when a tree fell on the house.

Gov. Tate Reeves acknowledged the death in a June 16, release.

“Sadly,” Reeves said. “We have received a report of a fatality in Canton as a result of Friday’s early-morning severe weather. Please join me in praying for the family during this difficult time.”

Brown said Williams had a good reputation in the community and was a long-time employee of the Canton Country Club.

“He was a well-known man in the community,” Brown said. “He was a good man.”

Members of the Canton Country Club have put together an online fundraiser for his family.

“We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of our Wilbert,” The description reads. “Words cannot express how much he was loved at the CCC. He dedicated his life to this place. He knew every inch of this place by heart and if you needed to know anything, he was the man to ask.”

It goes on to say, “There is a hole in our collective hearts that will never be filled. Not a day went by that he didn’t have a smile on his face and a hearty wave to everyone he saw.”

The fundraiser can be found at gofundme.com/f/wilbert-williams-fundme.