William (Billy) Abernathy Warden of Madison, Mississippi, was born on February 25, 1960, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025. He was the son of Col. Henry (Pete) Edward Warden and Joanna Johnson Warden. His childhood was full of moves across Florida, Washington, DC, and California before the family eventually settled in Columbus, Mississippi—his mother’s hometown. He grew up on a farm, where he learned the value of hard work, developed a love of animals and the outdoors, and carried those lessons with him throughout his life. Billy attended Heritage Academy, where he swam competitively and formed many lasting friendships. He graduated in 1978, then enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi to pursue Marine Biology, inspired by his fascination with the ocean and its creatures. Though he later changed paths and earned a degree in Environmental Engineering from Mississippi State University in 1983, his love for marine life never faded—he kept saltwater aquariums for years as a reminder of that enduring passion. Billy also earned his Professional Engineer license, a point of pride in his long career. He began his professional journey in environmental consulting before joining the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Over 34 years, Billy dedicated himself to public service, retiring in 2015 as Chief of Solid Waste, Mining, and Special Waste. He was respected for his expertise, professionalism, and steady leadership, and he played a significant role in recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina. Along the way, he traveled across the state, built lifelong friendships with colleagues, and became known as much for his humor and kindness as for his technical skill. In Jackson, Billy met the love of his life, Deborah Easom. They married in 1988 and shared 37 years together. Their marriage was a true partnership, marked by devotion, respect, and joy. To all who knew them, their life together stood as a beautiful example of what marriage is meant to be. Family was the heart of Billy’s world. He adored being a father to his two sons, Daniel and David, and some of their best memories together were spent outdoors—whether fishing in the pond at the farm or snorkeling along the jetty in Destin. Billy was also a true handyman. There was little he couldn’t fix, build, or rig up, and he delighted in passing down those practical skills to his sons. One of his greatest joys came later in life as he welcomed two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. Billy was a man of deep faith, known for his selflessness and devotion to others. He was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church and also attended Broadmoor Baptist Church. He loved God’s creation, whether it was swim in the ocean, time spent with family pets, or the beauty of birds, butterflies, and flowers he often captured through photography in his retirement years. He had the patience and attention to detail to notice the beauty in all of God’s creations. Above all, Billy was a humble man who never sought the spotlight—he would probably be shaking his head at all this attention. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; his sons, Daniel Warden (Addy) and David Warden (Mayme); and three grandchildren, William Grady Warden, Ann Hayes Warden, and Wells Abernathy Warden. He is also survived by his brother, Hank Warden, Jr. (Susan); his sister, Joanna (Cissie) Posey (Phil); nieces Elizabeth Posey and Carrie Ball (Conner); nephew Josh Hancock (Channing); great-nephew Jude Hancock; nieces Sawyer Hancock and Elliott Ball; father-in-law Clemon Easom; and brother- and sister-in-law Dale and Rita Hancock. Billy was a devoted brother and uncle, always present with encouragement, laughter, and love for his siblings, nieces, and nephews. His family will remember him for the warmth, humor, and steadiness he brought into their lives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Col. Henry (Pete) Edward Warden and Joanna Johnson Warden; and by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Arrington Johnson and Gen. and Mrs. John A. Warden. Billy’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Covenant Caregivers, SummerHouse Beau Ridge Memory Care, and Accent Hospice for their dedicated and compassionate care. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Webster Animal Shelter in Madison, MS.