William C. Carraway, Sr.

William C. Carraway Sr., of Gulfport, passed away on his 83rd birthday, Tuesday, December 14, 2010 in Gulfport, MS. Mr. Carraway was a resident of Gulfport for the past 25 years. He was a member of the Episcopal Church and a native of Jackson, MS. He served in the US Navy where he developed a love of boxing. Upon his return from the service, he moved to New Orleans, LA where he graduated from Tulane University, class of 1953, and began his career in the insurance industry. Mr. Carraway had a true love of life and pursued everything to the fullest. He had a love of the outdoors and raised his family with this appreciation. He and his wife Gwen trained field trial dogs and later graduated to horses. Retiring in Gulfport, MS and living their dream, together they have taught hundreds of children and adults the art of equestrian riding at Wildwood Farms. A good day found him telling stories to a group of children, giving riding lessons to beginners or taking care of the farm on his tractor. From its inception in 1985, Mr. Carraway was the driving force that created Wildwood Farms and made it the beautiful and successful equestrian facility that it is today. As one of the original founders of the Gulf Coast Hunter Jumper Circuit, his vision was instrumental in establishing the sport of equestrian riding in south Mississippi. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Gwendolyn Langridge Carraway, two sons, William Cameron Carraway, Jr (Marlyn) and Frank Kendall Carraway (Cindy) and two grandchildren, Brittany Morgan Carraway and Courtney Nicole Carraway. Visitation will be held Saturday, December 18, 2010 at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home on O’Neal Road in Orange Grove from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please honor his memory through a donation to the American Heart Association, 2159 E. Pass Rd., Gulfport, MS 39507 or the American Cancer Society, 417 Security Square, Gulfport, Ms 39507. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com