Dr. Bill R. Foster, 88, passed away April 11, 2021 at Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville, MS with his daughter by his side.
He was born in Tremont, MS on Jan 1, 1933 to the late Jim and Fleeta Foster. He graduated from Tremont High School, Itawamba Community College and received his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Education from Mississippi State University. His Ph.D. was earned at the University of Alabama.
From 1954-1960, Bill taught science/chemistry at Starkville High School before beginning his career in Higher Education. During his 40 years at Mississippi State, he served as Director of Student Activities, he was the first Director the Colvard Student Union, Director of Student Housing, Dean of Student Services, and Associate Vice President of Student Affairs. He was a member of the graduate faculty where he taught classes in higher education and directed doctoral students dissertations. Dr. Foster had numerous accomplishments and loved his job, the students and staff while at Mississippi State. He started and was the director of the Miss MSU pageant and coached many young ladies that went on to win the title of Miss Mississippi and one to win the title of Miss America, Cheryl Prewitt. He remained close to many of the ladies and the students he encountered.
Dr. Foster loved God, his church, his family and MSU. At First Baptist church, he served as a deacon, taught Sunday School, church greeter and was on the pastoral search committee.
In the community Bill was as member of the Board of Directors of M&F Bank, Starkville Country Club, and was a Rotarian.
He served Rotary as President of the local club, was Rotarian of the Year and also served as District Governor of District 6820. He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and Rotary benefactor.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Sara, daughter, Kathy Foster Ashley (Earl) of Lake Village, AR; Nephews, Joe Foster of Thomasville, AL and Jerry Foster (Fara) of Stuttgart, AR.
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, 2021 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Starkville, MS, with the funeral service immediately following. Dr. Chip Stevens and Rev. Clifton Curtis will conduct the service. Burial will be in Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville.
The family requests that any memorials be made to the Building Fund at First Baptist Church, 106 E. Lampkin St, Starkville, MS 39759 OR The Bill & Sara Foster Endowed Fund, c/o MSU Foundation, P.O. Box 6194, Mississippi State, MS 39762.
