William Paul

McCartney

William Paul McCartney

October 20, 1961 – September 24, 2026

William Paul McCartney was born to Noble Emerson McCartney and Betty Ann McDuff McCartney in Columbia, Louisiana, on October 20, 1961, the youngest of three children. He died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on September 24, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Biloxi, Mississippi, after a brief battle with cancer. Paul was known for his ability to make people and events feel and look special and for his strong leadership in the retail industry.

After completing his secondary education in LaSalle Parish, Louisiana, Paul continued his education at Northwestern State University. Paul’s distinguished career in the retail industry included owning and operating Paul’s Department Store, Gas To Go and Paul’s Flower Shop in Olla, Louisiana. Later he transitioned to executive leadership roles with various regional and national retail organizations. In every role, Paul found success by developing people and nurturing strong personal relationships with clients and the associates he supported. Paul also had a strong sense of civic duty and was elected to serve as the youngest member of the Olla, Louisiana, Town Council.

Paul’s true passions were his family; documenting and archiving special events and places through the art of photography; creating beautiful spaces and venues for life’s most important moments; and the history and current events of his beloved hometown of Olla.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James Richard McCartney; and his grandson, Nolan Emerson McCartney.

Paul is survived by his husband, Richard Edwin Reeves; his daughter, Bevann McCartney Dubuisson, and her husband, Herbert; his son, Nathan Emerson McCartney; his stepdaughters, Mikayla Lewis and her husband, Stephen, and Kimberly Reeves; his grandchildren, Noah and Charlotte McCartney, Jessica Lewis, and Ozzie and Brodie Vela; his brother, Wayne McCartney, and his wife, Karen; and his former wife and the mother of his children, Jan Scheller.

Paul leaves a legacy of deep love for his family, strong dedication to his many lifelong friends, and genuine pride in his hometown. The family wishes to thank the medical staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Hospital System for their care and compassion during his final days.

Entombment and a Celebration of Life will be held in Olla, Louisiana, at a later date.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the McCartney family.