Thomas Edward “Big Ed” Stanford, 89, of Grenada, passed away  June 24, 2020 at his residence.  He was born May 23, 1931 in Amory to Jesse Floyd and Sarah Ethelyn Williams Stanford. He worked at Spain’s Big Star 27 years and was the owner of Stanford & Son Grenada Meat Company. In 1991, he began a very industrious lawn care business that he worked tirelessly in until July 2019. He was a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church 64 years, where he served in many capacities including Sunday School director, Training Union director, deacon and served on the Pastor Search and Finance Committees.  An avid outdoorsman, he always enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be remembered by his family as a glimpse of what our Heavenly Father will be like when we see Him face to face. 

His graveside service was June 27 at Vance Cemetery near Slate Springs following visitation at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada. Rev. Keith Taylor, Dr. Brent Barker and Rev. J. Barry Worrell officiated.

Survivors include his wife, Iris West Stanford, who he would have celebrated 70 years of marriage with on July 2, 2020; daughters, Sonja Denise Walker, Ruston, LA; Lisa Dawn (Mike) McCuiston, Starkville; Bethany Caron (Marty) Barham-Ambron, Grenada and Mobile, AL; son, Thomas Jeffrey (Cindy) Stanford, Brandon; sisters, Joyce Fay Fulco, Sarah Katherine McKee, Donna Jo Janowicz, Tina Marie Barajas; brothers, Forrest Gene, Darryl Lyn  and Michael Ray Stanford; grandchildren, Keri Walker (Keith) Taylor, Bradley (Katie) Walker, Meredith (Ronnie) Betts, Blake (Ashley) McCuiston, Hope Vancil, Kylea Sanderock Miller, Jody Sanderock, Amy Barham, Chris Ambron; grandchildren, Anna, Logan, William and Luke Taylor, Vivian and Townes Walker, Sydney and Parker Vancil, Carson and Hayden Betts, Brantley and Emma McCuiston and Carole Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.

Pallbearers were Ronnie Betts, Jim Matos, Blake McCuiston, Jody Sanderock, Bradley Walker and Terry West.  Honorary Pallbearers will be George Byrd, Marshall Harris, Rev. Eugene Heimbach and Don Tartt.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Gideons International or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and 

Berene Haire James, 85, of Bruce,  died June 25, 2020 at  Bruce Community Living Center. Born March 29, 1935 in  Rocky Mount community, she was a daughter to Earnest Wesley and Inez Murphree Haire.

She attended Bonds Beauty College and was a beautician for 40 years. After retirement she stayed active in her garden and kept her sewing machine busy. She found leisure in coloring beautiful pictures and keeping her mind sharp with word searches. A member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church, she knew the Lord and His promise of eternal life.

She leaves  a loving to family to cherish her memory, daughter, Linda (Todd) Eaton, Bruce; son, Tommy Laderl (Oralia) James Jr., Houlka; grandchildren: Courtney James, Haley Chennault, Robin Eaton, Mary Alon James; great grandchildren Joey and Georgia Moss, and Jaxton Chennault; brother-in-law, Billy Van James, Houlka, and sister-in-law, Gladys Haire, Pontotoc. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Laderl James; her parents; brothers Labon D. and Fred Haire, and sisters Martha Reeder and Faye White.

Her funeral service was Sunday in the sanctuary of Poplar Springs Baptist Church with Bro. David Haggerty officiating. Curtis Bray, Jason Dye, Anthony Haire, Michael Haire, Joey McCammon and Jerry Haire carried her to rest in Poplar Springs Cemetery.

Parker Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce and Vardaman is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be composed at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com

Moss McGreger Green, 94, of Bruce died June 27, 2020, at Bruce Community Living Center. Born March 9, 1926, she was a daughter to Clarence Newton and Maudie Murphree McGreger.

A lifelong resident of the Rocky Mount Community, she married the love her life, Winfred Green, on June 20, 1942, in Bruce. The couple spent a timeless 66 years together abounding with two children and decades of memories. She was a woman with much determination and intelligence who spent her days as a self-taught homemaker. While she was looking after her family, she developed a love for cooking, sewing, and working in her yard; practices she continued as long as she was able. With an ear for music,  she developed a passion for melodies and rhythm while attending singing schools as a child. She used the talent the Lord gifted her with every Sunday morning as the Music Director at Rocky Mount Baptist Church. She not only praised the Lord with her piano skills, but she also educated people about the Lord as a Sunday School Teacher. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

She leaves daughter Reeda (Scott) Collins, Bruce; Cathy (Eddie) Magee, Water Valley;  grandchildren: Scotty Collins, Sandy (Jeremy) Aron, Sara (Phil) Ferguson, Eddie “Trea” (Stacey) Magee, Brandon (Crystal) Magee, Kellie Gholson; 18 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Winfred; infant daughter, Nelta Ruth Green; great-great grandchild, Tyler Magee; brothers Buel and Clinton McGreger, and sisters Audie Burt, Beatrice Haire and Birtis Bryant.

The family will receive friends Monday at Parker Memorial Funeral Home from 1-3 p.m. Her funeral service will be at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Parker Memorial Funeral Home  with Bro. Kevin Chrestman and Bro. Sam Yarbrough officiating. Jeremy Aron, Scotty Collins, Phil Ferguson, Wesley Gholson, Brandon Magee, and Eddie Magee will carry her to rest in Rocky Mount Cemetery. Will Collins, Jonathan Kent, Chase Magee, Jacob Magee, Judd Magee and Kane Magee will serve as honorary pallbearers. 

Parker Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce and Vardaman is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be composed at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com.

Willie Lee Hych Jr., 74, departed this life June 20, 2020 at his residence in Pittsboro. He was born June 20, 1946 in Calhoun County to Louis Hych and Catherine White Hychg Gunn.

He was a graduate of North Calhoun High School in Bruce. He also was a Veteran and served in the Vietnam war. He worked as a custodian at Bruce High School before he retired.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memories, daughters Victoria (Fredrick) Welch, Big Creek; Whitney Hych, Zinn, Il.; sons Dennis (Dorothy) Evans, Lancaster, Pa.; Quitney Hych, Nashville; a Godson, Brandy Hych, Bruce; sister Rena (Rufus) Jamerson, Memphis; aunts Lucille White, Pittsboro, and Mattie White, Detroit, Il.; three grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Graveside services were June 27 with Rev. Shed King officiaiting at Bruce Community Cemetery. Belle Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Marion Franklin ‘Uncle Buck’ Armstrong died June 24, 2020 at BMH in Oxford. He was born December 14, 1932 to Willie Sr. and Minerva Glaspie Armstrong in Calhoun County.

He was a member of Clear Spring Church, where he was the oldest deacon He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, fixing lawnmowers and garden tillers, and helping others when he could. Most of all he loved spending precious time with his family, especialy on Sunday afternoons, when they would enjoy dinner, laugh and joke around.

He was united in holy matrimony to Ora Lee Petty and to this union eight children were born. He leaves to cherish his memory, sons Bobby (Glenda) Armstrong, Houston; Jerry (Lolita) Armstrong, Brandon; Melvin Armstrong, Pittsboro; Nelson (Maria) Armstrong, Spring, Tx.; daughters, Juanita Williams, Pittsboro; Diane Armstrong, Tupelo; Ella (Emmitt) Humphries, Pittsboro; Rosemarie (Henry) Doss, Bruce; Jacqueline (Wesley) Westmoreland, Pittsboro; special nephew David (Margaret) Armstrong, Pittsboro, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchidren, nieces, nephews and friends.

His graveside service was June 27 at Clear Springs Cemetery in Big Creek. Pallbearers were Cornelius Humphries, Jhonas Armstrong, TraVarious Liggins, Daylon Johnson, Emmitt Humphries Jr., Melvin Armstrong, Karston Armstrong, Donovan Doss and David Armstrong. Belle Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Kendall Alton Crill peacefully left to be with his Lord after a long hospital stay at MD Anderson, where he was blessed with the most wonderful doctors, nurses, and respiratory, physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Throughout his life, he impacted everyone he touched.   He had a wonderful life and he enjoyed every bit of it.  

Born in 1944 in Memphis,  he lived in Kansas, Georgia and Kentucky in this early childhood and graduated from Frayser High School. He attended Lambuth University in Jackson, TN and then Memphis State University and was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Order.  

He started with Delta Air Lines in Memphis loading bags, but grew within the company where he spent 19 years in marketing, residing in Memphis, Montgomery  AL, and Atlanta ,GA. Retiring from Delta after 33 years  of service, he developed a career in real estate with ReMax in Peachtree City, GA and then Oxford.

An avid golfer, he loved travel, all sports, history and genealogy, and singing in the church choir. He had a gift for remembering and calling people by their name from the first time he met them.  An avid supporter of Alcoholics Anonymous, he accomplished his 30-year chip. 

If you knew Ken Crill, you knew he loved the Lord.   If you knew Ken Crill, you also knew he had a witty sense of humor and a knack for storytelling. If you knew Ken Crill, you knew you were loved by him. He loved his children, his grandchildren, his nieces and nephews especially when entertaining them with his cricket noises.  They were the highlight of his life.  He was known for giving great greeting cards and taking time to pick out the one with just the right words.   Then he’d underline those words to emphasize their importance. 

He leaves his wife of 43 years, Myra Ferguson Crill, affectionately known as Fergie, who never left his side in sickness and in health. He also leaves   his “girls” Cindy Crill Brewer (Kevin) and Cathy Crill Herrington; his grandchildren Benjamin Thomas Brewer, George Franklin Brewer and Clara Goodwin Herrington; his sister Judi Crill Belote (Marvin) and his adored goddaughter Lindsey Satterwhite Tonkin all of Memphis. He is preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Bruce Alton Crill and Nora May Crill, and his son-in-law Clarence Goodwin, Herrington III.  

A current resident of Oxford, he was a member of North Oxford Baptist Church. Services will be Thursday, July 2 in Bruce at Parker Memorial Funeral Home at 2 pm, with visitation at 1 pm. Graveside to follow services at Bruce Cemetery.

Tthe family requests donations be forwarded to North Oxford Baptist Church, PO Box 1700, Oxford, MS 38655.

SFC Kenneth Wayne Stone, 79, of Calhoun City, died July 3, 2020 at Baptist Hospital in Calhoun City. He was born March 29, 1941, in Pontotoc. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Vardaman. He was a registered prosthetic technician and member of the Mississippi Army National Guard from which he retired March 29, 2001. After retiring from making prosthetics, he started selling tools and handles for tools, traveling all over the area and meeting lots of people and making lots of friends. 

He is survived by his wife, Marcell Howell Stone; son Wayne (Nikki) Stone, Calhoun City; sisters Vickie (Mack) Darnell, Abbeville; Reda (Tommy) Mcfarland, Hot Springs Village, Ar.; brothers: Charles (Sue) Stone, Potts Camp; Billy (Dell) Stone, Strayhorn, and David (Alice) Stone, Hernando.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Therrie Higginbottom Stone, father Charles Clifton Stone, sisters Frances Savoie, Jean Starks, Mildred Hamilton, Sue Coats, Virginia Murphree, Barbara Cardwell and Brenda Barnett.

His funeral service is Monday, July 6 at 10:30 a.m. at Pryor Funeral Home in Calhoun City. Burial will be in Oak Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Shane Stone, Dudley Stone, Scott Murphree, Tim Cardwell, William Chandler, and Mike Howell. Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Parker and Robert Earl McGregor.

On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Ray Anderson Hamilton, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away at the age of 81. He was born July 24, 1938 in the Wardwell community to Josiphine Russell and Baylas Fletcher Hamilton. He graduated from Vardaman High School in 1956 where he had many adventures that led to stories which could have filled several books. He married the love of his life, Juanita, on October 3, 1969. His friends, who are from all ages and backgrounds, are countless, and will carry their “Little Ray” experiences and stories on for generations to come. His family continues to hear about these mostly hilarious yet sometimes very heartwarming accounts. He was like the pied piper of Calhoun City--daily giving candy and dollars to many children. Family was most important to him, and he revealed this through his support to those whom he held dear. He never faltered to let his family know how he felt or what he thought about an issue. Those who knew him, know his hobbies were his life. Making people laugh was one of them, and he did this so often and so very well. He was also a man who loved his dogs, and they in turn loved him. This love eventually led him to the training of bird dogs through which he made more lifelong friends across many states. He also loved to garden, with his favorites being tomatoes, okra, and peppers, and he was successful with any plant he placed in the dirt.  

He leaves his wife of 50 years, Juanita, and their son, Jeffery Lee (Patricia) Shankle. He also leaves his grandchildren who loved their “Pop” very much:  Brandon Lee (Clare)  Shankle, Courtney Rae (Justin) Purvis, Madison Ray Bennett and McKenzie Ray (Wesley) Mooney. Pop’s  beloved great-grandchildren are Hadden, Lois, Holden, Louisa, Letty, William Ray, Callie and Spencer Rae. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers James and Jake.  He leaves a sister, Nancy Vaughn, New Hope, and brothers, Kenny (Kathy) Hamilton, Vardaman and Jerrol (Bobbie) Hamilton, Coffeeville. Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins are among those he also leaves behind.

His family will miss him tremendously, but know they will see him again in heaven.  As a young boy, he walked the aisle to accept Jesus as his personal Savior at a revival in New Providence Church. He also revealed to those closest to him about his belief in Jesus and how he knew that he died for him. The love Ray, Pop, showed to others was a true example of God’s love.   

Visitation for “Little Ray” is Tuesday, July 7 from noon until 2 pm at Pryor Funeral Home in Calhoun City, with the  service following at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Stan Rogers, Bryson Rogers, J.R. Denton, Mark Lucius, Mike Lucius, and Terry Martin.  Honorary pallbearers will be all of his round table friends and bird dog buddies.

Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the charity of your choice.  Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at pryorfuneralhome.com

Howard Monroe Galloway, 83, of Calhoun City died July 4, 2020, at his residence. Born April 21, 1937, in Houlka, he was a son to Wesley Monroe  and Sophia Modean Washington Galloway.

A retired supervisor, he worked in the furniture manufacturing industry at Cottage Lane before retiring. Upon his retirement, he found a new job practicing his hobbies fulltime. He spent many hours chasing rabbits while on the thrill of a hunt. When the weather was right and the fish were biting, he could be found on the lake fishing. While he was quite the outdoorsman, he also carried a green thumb notorious for producing tomatoes.  Aside from his hobbies, he deeply loved and valued each member of his family. He knew the Lord and His promise of eternal life and worshiped when  able at Baileyville Baptist Church.

He is survived by wife, Geneva Brassfield Galloway;  sons Andy Galloway, Amory; Ben Galloway, Vardaman; Lynn (Deb) Galloway, Houston, Tx.; stepson, Robert (Laura) Gulledge, Calhoun City; daughter, Amy (Jerry) Buford,   Tupelo; stepdaughters: Brenda (James) Tallent, Vardaman; Gloria (John) Odom, Calhoun City; Vickie Chandler, Calhoun City; brothers: Bailey (Sara) Galloway, Pontotoc; David Galloway, Sulligent, Al.; Roger Galloway, Montgomery, Al., and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Galloway; daughter, Lisa Galloway, and  sister, Ann Hill.

His funeral service will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Parker Memorial Funeral Home with Bro. Billy Miller  and Bro. Thomas Galloway officiating.  Jacob Gulledge, Sean Galloway, Bradley Langley, Chris Lucius, Josh Monaghan, Tony Morgan, John Odom, and Larry Tidwell will carry him to rest in Oak Springs Cemetery. Don Caviness, Bobby Fletcher, Mike Lane, and Kemp Lucius will serve as honorary pallbearers

Parker Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce and Vardaman  served the family in helping make arrangements. Online condolences may be composed at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com

Shirley Ann Austin Hughes, 78, of Bruce, died July 6, 2020, at her home. Born March 26, 1942, she was a daughter to Issac Duet and Cloise Mitchell Austin.

A homemaker, she dedicated her life to looking after the needs of her family. A crafty woman,she found joy in  quilting, sewing each stitch with love. She collected dolls and admired the unique characteristics each one offered. She enjoyed cultivating beautiful flowers. She did not simply pass away, she held in her soul the cure to death, a relationship with Jesus where she actively worshiped Him at Victory Baptist Church.

She leaves behind a loving family to carry her memory, husband, Scottie Hal Hughes; sons Chris Hughes, Bruce,  and Jeff (Patricia) Hughes, Gore Springs; daughter, Gloria (Teleford) Horton, Coffeeville; grandchildren Shanna Taylor, Brookland, Ar.; Ray Schmitz III, Coffeevillei; Brad Hughes, New Albany; Brandon Hughes, Coffeeville, and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Delaine and Jimmy Austin.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 7 from 3 -4 p.m. at Parker Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce. Her funeral service will be at 4 p.m. in  the chapel of Parker Memorial Funeral Home with Bro. Danny Kelly and Bro. David Westmoreland officiating. Donald Austin, Thomas Earl Goodson, Brad Hughes, Brandon Hughes, Brian Hughes, Cameron Hughes, Ray Schmitz III, and Randy Stapleton will carry her to rest in Memory Memorial Garden

Parker Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce and Vardaman is honored to serve the family at this time. Online condolences may be composed at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com

Jessie Mae Cooner, 82, of Bruce, died July 2, 2020. She was born May 15, 1938 in Bruce to Thomas Claude and Eva Rena Parker Cooner.

 She was a member of the Church of God in Bruce. She was loved by all and had many friends. She was a loving, caring and fun person. If she liked you, you knew it. You could always find her rocking or swinging while listening to her radio and flipping through her book of photos she collected, for hours at a time.

She enjoyed her trips to Walmart and being able to get her favorite food, a cheeseburger. If you were lucky, you could catch her singing her favorite song by Hank Williams (Hey, Good Looking). And if there was a baby around she was sure to get a turn at rocking and holding the baby.

Her funeral service was Saturday at Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Westmoreland officiating. She was laid to rest in Antioch Cemetery in Bruce. Pallbearers were Larry Stacy Jr., Eric Stacy, Richard Wayne Winter, Mike Winter, James Bonds and Brantley Simmons.

She is survived by her sister, Dorothy Stacy, Water Valley, and a host of family and friends and her family at Calhoun County Nursing Home.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Harley and Levoy Winter, Charles Edward and Billy Jean Cooner, and her sister Levonia Winter.

The family requests that memorial contributions in Jessie Mae Cooner’s memory be made to National Down Syndrome Society at www.ndss.org.

Funeral service entrusted to Parker Memorial Funeral Homes.

Opal Wilson Newman, 87, of Paris, passed from this life  Sunday, July 05, 2020, at Yalobusha General Hospital and Nursing Home in Water Valley. Born October 5, 1932, in Calhoun County, she was a daughter to Freeman C.  and Mary Christine Newman Wilson.

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend to many. She possessed a beautiful smile. A positive woman by nature, she always had encouraging words to share with those she loved and strangers alike. She found employment with  Holley Carburetor Company from the time the plant opened until she was able to retire. She knew the Lord and His promise of eternal life and worshiped when she was able at Paris Baptist Church.   

She leaves a precious family to carry on her legacy of love:  daughters: Sandra Hodges, Toccopola; Twyla (Eddie) Morris  Randolph;  grandchildren: Cynthia (Dewayne) Morris, Nathan and Hileah Hodges, and great grandchildren: Amber  and Parker Morris.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Anderson Newman; her parents; brothers: Roy C. and James C. Wilson, and son-in-law, James L. Hodges Jr. 

The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 8 at the Banner Cemetery from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. with a graveside service remembering her life beginning at 10:30 a.m. with Bro. Fletcher Moorman officiating.

Parker Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce and Vardaman is honored to serve the Newman family. Online condolences may be composed at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com.

Linda Jean Blount, 66, of Calhoun City departed to claim her glorious hope on July 7, 2020 at Oxford Health and Rehab in Oxford. She was welcomed into this world October 24, 1953 in Grenada, a daughter to John F. Bardo and Alethea Mae Perry Bardo.

A woman with an eye for design, she found joy in helping people re-decorate their homes. With the same eye for design, she delighted in the elegant beauty of flowers and their different varieties. Not only did she have the skills for interior design, but she also possessed the traits it took to run a business. Alongside her husband A.D., she was co-owner of Med-Lift and Mobility Incorporated. She held a special place in her heart for her sweet daughter and loving grandchildren. Above her hobbies, business, and family, she adored her savior, Jesus Christ, where she worshiped Him at Grace Fellowship Church in Calhoun City. Though she has gone to rest in a sacred place free from sickness, she will be profoundly missed by her loving family and friends.

Those left carry her memory include her devoted husband, A.D. Blount, Calhoun City; daughter, Allison (Justin) Nichols, Calhoun City; grandchildren Bella, Abby and Dawson Nichols, Calhoun City; father, John F. Bardo, Big Creek; sister, Cathy (Chris) McGee,  Big Creek; sisters-in-law: Sharon Bardo, Big Creek, and Wynette Blount, Opp, Al., and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, and brother John “Pete” Bardo.

 The family will receive friends Friday, July 10 from 1-3 p.m. at Grace Fellowship Church. Her funeral service will be Friday at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of Grace Fellowship Church. Bro. Jimmy Bryan will officiate the service. Cliff Bardo, George Bardo, Daniel Blount, Reginald Brand, David Crocker, Kenny Dismuke, Chris McGee and Joey Simmons will carry her to rest in Pinecrest Memorial Garden.

Parker Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce and Vardaman is honored to serve the family in helping make arrangements remembering Linda’s life. Online condolences may be composed at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com.

Gary Lee Hawkins, 78, passed away at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo July 6, 2020. Born June 12, 1942, in Logan, WV, he was the son of  Howard Lee and Essiebelle Katherine Kuhn Hawkins. He was a 1960 graduate of Calhoun City High School and furthered his education at Mississippi State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1964. After college, he joined the Air National Guard, where he served as active duty and reserve, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

He managed Blount Motor Company, formerly Hawkins Ford Motor Company. Automobiles were the family business when he joined Hawkins Motor Company in 1966. He loved the business, but really loved the people. He was a true “people person” who never met a stranger, and if he did, they wouldn’t be a stranger anymore after four hours of talking and storytelling. To promote the family business, he starred in a commercial where he traded a new vehicle for a log wagon. At the end of the commercial, he rode the log wagon into town. “Crazy Gary Lee Hawkins” then rode this commercial all the way to national recognition on the “Real People” television show in California.

He was unselfish with his time and energy, holding every office in Rotary Club and the Jaycees. He spent six years promoting the economic development of Calhoun County, and another six on the Mississippi State Park Commission. He was very active in the Methodist church, serving on the Pastor Parish Committee and Administrative Board, was twice president of the Men’s Club and church treasurer five years. 

He adored his Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity Alpha Chi Chapter Fraternity family. Acting as the leader he has always been, he called, emailed, and tracked down Phi Tau Alumni to create a directory he shared with all of the Alumni. With that directory, he organized three amazing Phi Tau reunions, with attendance improving with each event.

For every town he went through, he had a story and by the way, he also knew the best places to eat.

His passion was Mississippi State sports, especially football. If Dak Prescott ever ran for Governor, he would have Gary’s vote, although some people thought that Gary himself would make a fine governor.

Above all else, his family meant the most to him, especially his grandchildren. They are saddened with his sudden passing, but they find some comfort in knowing he is in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. 

Visitation will be Saturday, July 11  from noon until 2 pm at Pryor Funeral Home. A graveside service celebrating his life will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens at approximately 2:30 pm. Bro. Dwight Brown will be officiating with interment to follow at Pinecrest. Pallbearers will be Joe Carnaggio, Mike Goralczyk, Jimmy Ball, Paul Moore Jr., Johnny Dean and Harrison Hawkins.

Honorary pallbearers will be all of his Grandchildren, the members of Rotary Club of Calhoun City, and Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, Alpha Chi Chapter.

He leaves behind his wife, Evelyn Hawkins; sons, Gary Christopher “Chris” (Aimee) Hawkins, Tupelo; Chadwick “Chad” Reid (Holly) Hawkins, Eupora; Arnie Brown, Calhoun City; sisters, Beth Hawkins (Charles) Vail, Senatobia; Sandra Hawkins (Eddie) Mitchell, Water Valley, and grandchildren, Harrison Davis Hawkins, Riley Grace Hawkins, Regan Izabel Hawkins, Birdie Elisabeth Hawkins, Austin and Ryan Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents , and his beloved cats, Annabelle and Alex.

Memorial donations may be made to the Calhoun City Rotary Club. 

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at pryorfuneralhome.com

Mark Edward Johnson, 72, of Horn Lake, died July 9, 2020, at the State Veterans Home in Oxford. Born September 16, 1947, in Owensboro, Ky., he was a son to Wayne Edward and Delores Tanner Johnson.

A United States Army Veteran, he faithfully served his country during the Vietnam Conflict. His flawless service record and accolades define the type of solider he was. He received the national defense service medal, mechanics badge with bar, and sharpshooter medal. Upon his return to civilian life, he found a career in the heating, cooling, and ventilation industry. As a self-employed man, he worked for 35 years before retiring. He loved antique cars, especially restoring them and bringing them back to life with his mechanical skills. A member of Colonial Hills Baptist Church, he believed in the Lord and His promise of eternal life. 

He leaves behind a loving family including wife, Regeanna Arthur Johnson; son, Wayne (Sandy) Johnson, Walls; stepsons Richard (Erica) Massey, Horn Lake; Tony Massey, Lewisburg; step-daughter, Melissa (Michael) Roberts, Hernando;  grandchildren: Cody and Dillon Johnson, Denver,   Tony Jr., Shawn and Devan Massey, Blake and Levi Roberts, and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Jane Larson.

His funeral service was Saturday in the chapel of Parker Memorial Funeral Home with Bro. Fletcher Moorman officiating. Terry Arthur, Cody Johnson, Denver Massey, Richard Massey, Tony Massey, Tony Massey Jr., and Michael Roberts carried him to rest in the Poplar Springs Cemetery.

Parker Memorial Funeral Hom is honored to serve the Johnson family. Online condolences may be composed at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com

Aubrey Keith Taylor, 66, passed away at his home in Calhoun City July 10, 2020.  Born January 17, 1954, in Calhoun County, he was the son of  John Thomas and Lodie Nichols Taylor. He graduated from Calhoun City High School, and was a member of Calhoun City First Baptist Church.  He was retired after working many years with Med Lift in accounts receivable. He loved to be outside, either fishing or  riding in the country on backroads. He loved working in his garden, and playing the piano. He was an absolute prankster and was always joking around, but was the kind of man who would shoot people straight and tell you how it is. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.  

His graveside service was Sunday at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens in Calhoun City with Bro. Kevin Chrestman officiating. Pallbearers were Mark Lucius, Phil Lucius, Joe Edmondson, Joey Tatum, Terry Leachman, Robert Mata, Corey Shamblin and Taylor Shamblin. Honorary pallbearers will be Bud Taylor, Robert Ira Davis, Oren Reynolds and Thomas Wayne Nichols.

He leaves his sister, Sandra Jenkins, Bruce; nieces, Lena (Joey) Tatum, Shaw; Renea (Terry) Leachman and Shea Nix, Bruce; nephews, Tony Weaver, Bruce, and Kevin (Angelyn) Taylor, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Larry and Bobby Taylor.  

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at pryorfuneralhome.com

Annie Sue Englehardt, 78, passed away at her home in Derma July 16, 2020. Born August 17, 1941, in Calhoun County, she was the daughter of Cleve Hughes and Sudie Holloway. She attended school in Derma, as well as Dyersburg, TN. On September 28, 1985, she married Richard Englehardt, and they enjoyed 17 years together until his passing in 2002. She was a member of New Liberty Baptist Church, where she loved music and to sing. She was retired from Cooper Tire with over 20 years of service. She also worked at Weyerhaeuser over 10 years prior to that. 

She sold Home Interior products in her spare time, traveling across the country and even into Canada making sales. She loved making flower arrangements and wreathes for people in the community. She absolutely loved her dogs, Daisy and Big Boy. In her free time she enjoyed sewing, tending to her flowers, and working in her vegetable garden. She also loved cooking, and was known for making the best chicken and dumplings. Above all, her family meant the most to her. She adored her children, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids. Her memory will be cherished in their hearts forever.

Her funeral service was Saturday at Pryor Funeral Home with Bro. Jeff Harmon officiating. Interment was at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. Serving as pallbearers were Jacob Lucius, Nathaniel Lucius, Caleb Lucius, Chris Lucius, Gene Hooks, and Sonny Fugett. Honorary pallbearers were  Perry Bailey, Dinky Fleming, and Jerry Fleming.

She leaves sons, Tony (Stephanie) Lucius, Carrollton, and Randy (Joy) Lucius, Tupelo; sisters, Ruth Ragan and Peggy Davis, both of Dyersburg, TN; brother, Doug Hughes of Dyersburg, TN; grandchildren, Jacobs, Nathaniel, Caleb  and Chris Lucius, Jordan Cauthen, Lexie Byford, great-grandchildren, Tyler Reed Lucius, Emma, Maddox and Ella Akins, Mina and Arwen Lucius, Bentley Cauthen, and her very special dogs, Daisy and Big Boy. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard Englehardt; sisters, Mary Simpson and Hazel Hughes, and brothers, Tommy   and Terry Hughes.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or LeBonheur Children’s Hospital.

Shirley Elaine Wilson, 95, of Bruce, died July 16, 2020, at Bruce Community Living Center. Born  December 18, 1924, in Calhoun County, she was a daughter to Freddie Powell and Agnes Reed Yancy.

She was a one of kind woman. She, like the rest of her generation, knew the value of hard work in every aspect of life. She enjoyed all things nature, especially tending to her beloved garden. She found the time and had the persistent patience it took to piece together a quilt. As a faithful member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church she knew the Lord and His promise of eternal life.

She leaves sons Pete (Ann) Wilson, Algoma, and Grady (Doris) Wilson, Bruce; grandsons: Len Wilson, Jamie and Christopher Wilson; eight great grandchildren; one great great grandchild, and sister, Mary Scruggs, Tupelo. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Glen Wilson; son, Billy Joe Wilson, and brother, Charles Yancy.

Her funeral service was Saturday in the chapel of Parker Memorial Funeral Home with Bro. Robert Earl Alexander officiating. She was laid to rest in the Robbs Cemetery. Pallbearers were Bobby Blount, Mike Blount, Billy Harrison, Christopher Wilson, Jamie Wilson and Hayes Wilson. 

Parker Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce and Vardaman is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be composed at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com

Curtis Earl Brasher, 81, died July 16, 2020 at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Oxford. In his younger years, he was employed in the furniture industry, became a self-employed logger and retired cattle farmer. He enjoyed working his cows. He always had a smile on his face, and was ready to work. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Brasher; sisters, Dorothy Jean Tharpe and Nancy (R.D.) Washington(R.D.).

He is preceded in death by his son, Dwayne Brasher; brothers, Clartis and Charles Brasher; sisters, Faye Bush and Rea Easely; and his parents, Ular and Virgie Brasher.

His graveside service was Sunday at Collums Cemetery with Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were Scott Waldo, Danny Gregory, Ricky Gregory, Randy Puttman, Justin Brasher, and Marvin Dixon, and honorary pallbearers were Pete Weldon, Ryan Washington and Michael Parker.

Frances Holder Chrestman, 95, of Vardaman, died July 15, 2020 at Floy Dyer Nursing Home in Houston. Born March 24, 1925, she was a daughter to  Everett Max and Rosie Collums Holder.

She was a seamstress  at Dixie Land  and Franklin Furniture. With her experience, she found joy in sewing special creations. She adored working in her yard, especially tending to her flowers. She had a special place in her heart for her family and delighted in caring for them.She knew the Lord and His promise of eternal life and worshipped when was able at New Hope Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish her memories are son, Jessie (Glenda) Chrestman, Vardaman; daughters Kay (George) Sanders, Bay Springs; Susie (Kenneth) Alexander, Vardaman; Peggy (Mike) Anderson, Bay Springs; seven grandchildren;  14 great-grandchildren; brother, Hubert Holder, Vardaman, and sister, Glenda (George) Caulder, Calhoun City. She was preceded in death by husband, Jess W “Cy” Chrestman; her parents; daughter, Ruby Dell Chrestman; brothers: James, Lester, Junior, Cecil and Gerald Holder, and sisters Inez Schwalenbergand Ruby Dell Holder.

Her graveside service was in the Elzey Cemetery with Bro. Johnny Cherry and Bro. Mike Anderson officiating.  Haden Alexander, Oakley Alexander, Ryan Alexander, Brad Anderson, Justin Anderson, James Chrestman, Jay Chrestman and Jordan Chrestman were  pallbearers.

 Parker Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce and Vardaman is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be composed at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com