William "Peter Rabbit" Stapleton's Obituary
William "Peter Rabbit "Stapleton, 71, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Wright Temple COGIC in Columbia, Missouri. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the church. Services will be livestreamed at 1:00 PM at https://www.facebook.com/htmayfuneralhome.
We are heartbroken to share that William Stapleton, 71, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Boone Hospital. As his family prepares to lay him to rest, we are asking for your support to help offset funeral and final expenses. Arrangements are currently pending, and any contribution—no matter the amount—will mean so much during this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Contributions can be made at https://fundthefuneral.com/william-stapleton-3.
William "Peter Rabbit" Stapleton, 71, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. William Robert (Peter Rabbit) Stapleton was born to the union of Mr. William Smith and Mrs. Elmarcina Stapleton Smith in Columbia, Missouri.
As a child, William enjoyed playing football and swimming with his two cousins, John (Tuck) Stapleton and Kenneth (Kenny Ho) Stapleton. Later on, as a teen, William and his first cousin (Tuck) picked up the sport of boxing in the Columbia Youth Boxing League.
During William’s late teenage years, he became interested in bodybuilding, eventually becoming a competitive amateur bodybuilder and powerlifter for many years. In the early 1980s, William would train the youth of Columbia in fitness and strength training—something he continued doing as recently as a few years before his passing.
William was united in holy matrimony to Ms. Tameca Williams, and they shared many great times together during that time.
One of William’s most cherished things to do was witness to people about his changed life and tell them about the church he was a member of and attended regularly before his illness.
William never claimed to be perfect but had a heart of gold and would try to help or defend anyone he saw in need.
William (Peter Rabbit) Stapleton will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his charismatic charm, and his smile. William left an indelible impression on everyone who got to know him. He leaves to cherish his memory his two uncles: Pastor Melvin L. Stapleton, Sr., and Mr. Leo Washington Stapleton; four children: his eldest son, William (Dewanna) Miller; son, Anthony Allen; stepchildren: Mishael Clark, Meshaunae Clark, and T'Aliyah Ray; bonus children: Sheena L. Allen, Charnel Hickem, and Gary Lewis; grandchildren: Journi Williams and Esoni Williams; special friend and the mother of his eldest son, Ms. Mabel Harris; and special people in his life: Ms. Debra Hickem, Ms. Lisa Allen, Ms. Sheila Neir, and Mr. Paul Neir.
In 2006, William returned home to Columbia after being away for many years with a new outlook on life. His mission was to right some of the wrongs he had done in his earlier life. It was in this same year that he began attending Restoration of Life Ministries under the leadership of his pastor and special nephew, Pastor M. L. Stapleton II.
He also leaves behind nieces and nephews: Dorothy Tawala Kee, Darleine Stapleton, Deion Brown, Charles Bonwell, and Tana Roland; and a host of family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: George and Ida Mae Hughes Stapleton; his parents, William Smith and Elmarcina Stapleton; his siblings: Leon Stapleton, Sharon Kay Stapleton, and Shirley Roane; and uncles and aunts: Rosetta Stapleton, George Edwards Stapleton, Flossy Mae Stapleton, Dorothy Stapleton Kee, James (Cake) Stapleton, Christina Stapleton, Joseph (Sunny) Stapleton, Betty Jean Stapleton, Robert Marshall (Stave) Stapleton Sr., Harry Jr. Stapleton, and Mary Margaret Stapleton.
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