William Herbert Person

William Herbert Person was born on March 15, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee to the union of William Tolbert Person and Elizabeth (Walton) Person.  He was the youngest of 11 siblings.  William was the sole surviving member of his immediate family and was proceeded in death by both his parents, five brothers; William Robert Person, Rev. Cleophus Person Sr., Fred Person Sr., Claude Edward Person and Alphonso Person, six sisters; Mary Magaline Cruitt, Brightess Campbell, Mildred Person, Rosie Belle Wade, Clyde Lorraine (Person) Smith and Thelma Louise (Person) Wilson.

William’s childhood education began in Memphis, Tennessee at Lester Elementary, Junior and High School.  After High School he received a basketball scholarship and attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City Missouri.  At the early age of 12 he became a caddy at multiple golf courses in Memphis and that began his love for the sport of Golf.  William, known as “Dollar Bill” or “Big Will” played at many golf courses around the Kansas City Metropolitan area, especially fond of Swope Memorial Golf Course. He played tournaments in many states as well as competitions for Ford Motor Company. He truly enjoyed spending hours upon hours playing golf with special friends such as Henry Levingston, Tommy Williams, Pastor Dr. Sam Mann, Joe & Virginia Hubbard, Ray Morris, and many others.

In his early adult life, William worked at Continental Trailways.  It was during this time that he met his wife, Linda. In 1973 William began working at Ford Motor Company where he retired after 30 years of service as a production assembly worker and member of the local United Auto Workers (UAW) union #249. Upon retirement, he continued with his love for golf and enjoyed watching all types of sports on television.  He was often considered a couch coach yelling at his teams while watching them play.

William introduced himself to Linda in 1968 while she traveled on the Continental Trailways heading to Oklahoma City.  He pursued her for two years until she finally agreed to return to Kansas City.  William asked for her hand in marriage, four years later she finally said “Yes.”  In 1974 they were united in a marriage that lasted for 46 beautiful years and had two wonderful children: William Dai’Mont Person Sr. and Sheneka Quay (Person) Fields.  William was proud of his children, but when the ten grandchildren came along—they were his pride and joy, especially the one and only granddaughter.

When William returned to Kansas City, KS, he attended Trinity AME Church.  He rededicated his life to Christ in 2019 under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Benjamin Stephens, III of Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ.

To cherish his memories, he leaves behind his loving wife Linda L. Harrison Person, one son William Dai’Mont Person Sr. (Kristy) of Belton, MO, and one daughter Sheneka Quay Person Fields (Jermaine) of Grandview, MO; dearest sisters-in-laws, Joyce E. Pearson, Victoria D. Redmond, Patricia V. Harrison, of Kansas City, MO and Carolyn D. Coates (Ezell) of Mesa, AZ; two brother in laws, Chester L. Harrison (Jeanette), and Wayne F. Harrison (Rhelandeau). One nephew, Albert Cruitt of Kansas City, KS, nieces, Ernestine Troope of Chicago, Il, Mary Grose (Ernest), Norma Jean Barrett-Rich (Elbert), Gwendolyn Woods of Memphis, TN, Barbara Wilson, Cleveland, OH.  He also leaves behind his ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

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