William Gordon Sterling, 95, known to many as Mutt, passed away Monday, July 9, 2018 at his home in Magnolia. He was born July 1, 1923, in western Amite County, to Wall Hampton and Winona Sterling, but they moved to Pike County when he was about 13 years old, where his family was involved in cattle and farming operations.In 1941, at age 19, he was drafted into the US Army and served for 37 months and 5 days, much of it in the South Pacific during WWII. After returning home to his family, he operated a taxi business in Pike County, then took an industrial job in the sulfur mill in Port Sulfur, LA.Missing his family, he purchased a small farm in Magnolia, where he lived until his passing. He married Johnnie Mae Hall, but they had no children. While farming and raising cattle, he partnered with Bill Ivey and established the Cow Palace cattle auctions on a site on the NW corner of the I-55/ Fernwood interchange. After about 10 years, he sold out to his partners in order to spend more time with his farming and cattle operations. Two of his favorite partners in farming and cattle were Dr. A.V. Beacham and Dr. Jim Brock. He and Dr. Beacham operated 31 catfish ponds in South Magnolia with the catfish sale every Saturday.He was a devoted, long-time member of the Magnolia Presbyterian Church, where he served as Treasurer. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Johnnie Mae Hall Sterling and eleven siblings.He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Magnolia Presbyterian Church, 245 N Clark St., Magnolia, MS, 39652.Pallbearers are Tim O'Brien, Jack Seale, Ricky Sterling, Jerry Foster, Ronnie Love and Phillip Evans, Sr.Share condolences at sharkeyfuneralhome.com.