William Howard Kessler, Jr.

William Howard Kessler, Jr. passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on March 14, 2023. He was born in Jackson on December 10, 1946, to Berdie Brumfield Kessler and William Howard Kessler.  He graduated from Murrah High School in 1965 and attended Louisiana State University where he was a member of Theta Xi fraternity and a four-year member in the A Cappella Choir, LSU’s flagship touring choir. After receiving a BA degree, he attended the University of Mississippi Law School and graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 1972. A lifelong resident of Jackson, William was founder and CEO of W. Kessler Ltd., a theatrical production company that brought national touring Broadway shows to the city for over 30 years. He served on the board of many arts organizations and along with Thalia Mara, was instrumental in bringing the International Ballet Competition to Jackson.  He was also the only Tony Awards voter in Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother George Albert Kessler. He is survived by his wife, Averyell Althaus Kessler, his sons, William Howard Kessler, III and wife Christy, and Avery Allen Kessler. Also, by grandchildren William Howard Kessler IV, Elizabeth Claire Kessler, Charlotte Hardin Kessler, Avery Allen Kessler, Jr., and William Wiley Kessler, as well as his sister Louisa Kessler Thigpen and brother-in-law James Tate Thigpen. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity of choice.