William was a Sergeant in Captain Foard's K Company of the 15th Mississippi Regiment. In the Battle of Shiloh a spent shell struck him in the neck and he was left dead on the battlefield as the company was rapidly advancing. Afterwards as the company had gained its objective and was resting and uniting, he came running up to take his place much to the delight of his comrades.

Was living with his son, Charles Kirk Avent, in Coldwater when he died.