Petal, MS
Funeral Home
Visitation
9:30-11 am, Thursday, July 2, 2026, Petal First Methodist Church.
Service
11 am, Thursday, July 2, 2026, Petal First Methodist Church.
Obituary
Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:
Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero who Served in the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten.” In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service, which our military men and women have given to their country and our state, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard memorializing its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation. Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on June 29, 2026, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Sergeant First Class William “Butch” Golden, age 84, Petal, MS, who served in the 114th Area Support Group and worked fulltime at the Shelby MATES has departed and gone to a better place with our Lord and Savior.
It takes a special person to serve in the military for their country, sacrificing time with family time, comfort, and safety to ensure all Americans can enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.
A special message from General Douglas MacArthur remains relevant today for our servicemen who have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away.” Rest in peace, soldier. We honor your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family’s support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so brightly, and live so freely.
You have now earned your rest, so go fly with the angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is complete. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ love for the Father and the Son.
Another great soldier has gone home—“Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life.”
Obituary, Visitation, and Service Details:
William “Butch” Golden, 84, of Petal, passed away on Monday, June 29,2026 at his home. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Petal First Methodist Church with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Hillcrest cemetery.
Butch lived a life defined by faith, dedication, and a passion for learning. A member of Petal First Methodist Church. Butch was known for wholeheartedly embracing everything he did. He proudly served in the Army for 36 years, dedicating his life to his country with honor and commitment.
Whether he was coon hunting, camping beneath the stars, carving intricate works from wood, competing in shooting sports, reloading ammunition, or riding his Harley-Davidson across the country, he approached each hobby with enthusiasm and determination. He believed in doing things the right way and spent countless hours researching and mastering every interest he pursued. His curiosity, patience, and attention to detail made him not only knowledgeable but also someone others looked to for advice and guidance.
His love for adventure and the outdoors created lasting memories with family and friends, while his craftsmanship and dedication reflected the pride he took in every endeavor. From the peaceful solitude of the woods to the open road on his Harley, Butch lived life with purpose and appreciation for the journey.
Above all, Butch will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to, his family, his friends, and the passions that brought him joy.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents William and Onte Golden; nephew Jason Curry.
Survived by his wife Ann Golden; sons Jay Golden (Daphne), and Greg Golden; grandchildren Blake Golden (Monoka), Foster Golden (Hannah), Erin Richards (Trey); great grandchildren Ava Golden, Reid Golden, Case Richards; sister Sue Golden Turner (Harold); niece Leslie Curry Bilancia; caregiver Killi Powell.
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