Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Bettie Pugh Crowson

Mrs. Bettie Pugh Crowson, 91, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2026, at St. Joseph Hospice in Gulfport, MS. Visitation will be held at Porter Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 10th, from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. A graveside service and interment will be held at 12:00 P.M. at Union Ridge Cemetery in Noxapater, MS, with Rev. David Keen officiating. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bettie was born July 29, 1935, in Louisville, MS, to Ed and Marie Pugh. She met the love of her life one night at a basketball game. On May 19, 1953 she married Charles Crowson and became an Army wife. Together they traveled the world and raised their family. Bettie had a lifelong love of women’s basketball. She had a beautiful gift working with flowers. She created some beautiful arrangements. She loved her garden and cooking for people. Her faith was an important part of her life. The hospice nurses said she would read her Bible for hours. She was a member of First Baptist of Noxapater.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Charles Crowson, her parents Ed and Marie Pugh, and her sister Nettie Fleming.

She is survived by her children; Robin Flake (David), Evie Haggard ( Rick), Vicki Humphries, and Mark Crowson (Christy), 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and her brother Jerry Pugh (Janie).

We would like to extend a special thank you to St Joseph Hospice in Gulfport. We are so grateful for the loving care they provided in her last days.

Dennis Andrew Lyon

Dennis Andrew Lyon, 76, of Noxapater, Mississippi, passed on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 at the Winston County Nursing Home, Louisville, MS. Funeral Service will be Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026 at 2 p.m., at Mount Pleasant #2  Missionary Baptist Church, 637 Mount Pleasant Road, Noxapater, MS 39346. Visitation will be Saturday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Dennis was born July 14, 1950 to the parents of Dennis Lyon and Luevetris Thomas Lyon in Neshoba County Mississippi.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Luevetris; wife, Maxine Lyon; son, Zephaniah Lyon; siblings, MacArthur Lyon, Matthew Lyon, Douglas Lyon, Delvin Lyon, George Kelvin Lyon, and Dixie Lee Lyon-Norfleet.

Dennis is survived by his children, Eric Lyon (Trelisa), and Latoya Sowe; siblings, Bonnie Lyon-Brownlee and Delphine Lyon-Howard; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and family.

Barbara Faye Harris

Barbara Faye Harris, 58, of Gulfport, MS., formerly of Louisville, MS., passed on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 at her home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 at  2 p.m., at  Mount Olive Church of God In Christ, 1822 Mount Olive Road, Louisville, MS., 39339. Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Louisville Memorial Cemetery, Louisville, MS. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Barbara was born January 10, 1968 to the parents of David Mitchell and Sallie Bell Crosby Harris, in Winston County Mississippi.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Sallie Bell Harris; grand daughter, Khloey Harris; siblings, Shirley Harris and Willie Robin Harris.

Barbara is survived by her father, David Mitchell; children, Brock Harris (Jada) Harris,  Jordan Harris, Carson Butler (Tatianna ), and Jocelyn Butler; significant other, Raymond Butler; siblings, Willie Ruth Coleman (Leon), Billy Ray Harris, Betty Ann Robinson (Curtis), Brenda (Michael) Welch, and Martha  (Timmy) Yarbrough, Charles (Cathy) Harris; grandchildren, Morgan Smith, Ryleigh Liddell, Greyson Miller and Braizlynn Harris; nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and family.

Mary Etta Shields

Mrs. Mary Etta Shields, 96, of Noxapater, Mississippi, passed on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 at the Neshoba County Nursing Home, Philadelphia, Mississippi. Funeral Service will be Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 at 11 a.m., at Mount  Pleasant #2 M. B. Church, 637 Mount Pleasant Road, Noxapater, MS. 39346. Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Friday, November 6, 2026

Andrew Miller

Andrew L. Miller, 53, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Winston Medical Center Nursing Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, November 7 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Bert Jones officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at Massey Funeral Home from 12:30 p.m. until service time. Graveside services will immediately follow the service in Louisville Memorial Cemetery.

Andrew was born November 8, 1972, to Ricky and Cynthia Stokes Miller. To say he was an avid Mississippi State fan would be an understatement! Andrew also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He dearly loved his family and enjoyed his time with them, especially cooking and eating together.

Andrew is survived by his father, Ricky Miller of Louisville; and his two sons, Will Miller and Jake Miller of Calhoun, Georgia. He is also survived by his two sisters, Clarissa Flake (Keith) and Megan Miller both of Louisville. He also leaves behind his three nephews: Tyler Flake (Melissa), Taylor Flake (Destini), and Kingsley Ashford, and his niece, Charleigh Miller; as well as other extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Colby Miller; and his mother, Cynthia Stokes Miller.
Serving as pallbearers are Jake Miller, Tyler Flake, Taylor Flake, Kingsley Ashford, Madden Snow, and Corbin Stapleton.


.


Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Eddie Jean Davis

Eddie Jean Davis, 74, of Louisville, MS., passed on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Select Specialty Hospital, Jackson, MS. Funeral Service will be Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 2 p.m., at New Zion M. B. Church, 48 New Zion Road, Louisville, MS. 39339. Visitation will be Friday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the New Zion Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in Charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Davis was born June 9, 1952 to the parents of Allen Miller, and Pearlena Eiland Miller, in Winston County Mississippi.

She is survived by her children, Shelisa Miller, Gary Miller, and Kristal Miller; grandchildren; sibling, James Allan Miller (Joann); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and family.

India Lee Ball

India Lee Ball, 33, of Meridian, Mississippi, passed on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at Rush Hospital, Meridian, Mississippi. A memorial service will be conducted at a later date by the family. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

India was born August 30, 1993 in Oktibbeha County Mississippi to the parents of Clifton Lee Coleman and Kimberly Juwan Ball.

India is survived by her parents, Clifton Lee Coleman and Kimberly Juwan Ball; siblings, Metreck Ball, Denzel Ball (Debra), Clarissa Ball; grandparents, Clarence Swain, Rosemary Swain, Ruby Edmond, and Willie Edmond; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and family.

James Kenneth “Hedge” Hedgepeth

James Kenneth “Hedge” Hedgepeth, 82, passed away Monday, November 2, 2026, at his home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, November 8 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Sonny Tedford officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at Massey Funeral Home from 1 p.m. until service time. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday, November 9 at Park Way Cemetery in Kosciusko, Mississippi.Hedge was born May 8, 1944, to Jesse and Margie King Hedgepeth.

Hedge is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Janice Braswell Hedgepeth. He is also survived by his children: Leigh Hedgepeth Jones (Jay) of Naples, Florida; Lynn Hedgepeth Tedford (Sonny) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Jason Hedgepeth of Pensacola, Florida; and Leslie Hedgepeth White (Steven Green) of Louisville. One of his greatest joys was being “Hedge” to his seven grandchildren: Chandler Jones, Chloe Sillery (William), Lauren Napier (Jesse), Taylor Fraser (David), Peyton Hedgepeth, Christian White (Abi), and Hailey White. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Charlie Sillery, Nell Napier, Hank Napier, Bonnie Napier, Quinn Fraser, Dierks White, and Laykin White; as well as his extended family members, and many friends. He is preceded in death by an infant daughter and his parents.

Serving as pallbearers are Jason Hedgepeth, Jay Jones, Sonny Tedford, Steven Green, and Christian White.



Monday, November 2, 2026

Flora Millicent “Millie” Wood

Flora Millicent “Millie” Wood, age 97, passed away on October 31, 2026, at Fair Haven Methodist Homes in Birmingham, Alabama, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, faith, service, and devotion to her family and community.
Millie was born on December 28, 1928, in Houston, Mississippi, to James Lawson Nichols and Flora Bell Griffin Nichols.

She married Henry P. “Sonny” Casey in 1948, and they shared a life together until his passing in 1962. She married Clarence H. “Tiny” Wood in 1963, with whom she shared many years until his passing in 2005.

Millie was a woman who loved her family deeply and took great joy and pride in them. She is survived by her sons, Thomas M. Casey (Sally) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Donald L. Casey (Susan) of Birmingham, Alabama; her brother, Tommy Nichols of Vardaman, Mississippi; her grandchildren, Lauren Rushing (James), Maddox Casey (Paige), Leslie Casey, and Nicholas Casey; and eight great-grandchildren, Bradley, Madison, Miller, Payton, Kaiden, Maylee, Carson, and Maya.

She found great joy in the beauty of flowers, sewing, friendships, and giving back to her community. She was known for her involvement in numerous organizations and her dedication to serving others.

Millie made a lasting impact on her community and state. She was the Executive Secretary for the Winston County American Red Cross. She assisted in bringing many servicemen home in times of the loss of a family member or a family emergency. She coordinated the preparation of “Ditty Bags” of personal items to send to servicemen for Christmas.

She was a nationally accredited seamstress judge and won numerous awards through the Home Demonstration Clubs. She especially loved sewing for her grandchildren.

Millie was also a gifted floral arranger and a nationally accredited flower show judge who won many blue ribbons for her arrangements. She could often be found tending to her flower beds, a passion that led to her involvement with the Garden Clubs of Mississippi, where she served on the State Board. She was recognized as one of Mississippi’s “Beautiful Activists” for her beautification contributions to the state. She was actively involved in planting the Avenue of Magnolias on roadways crossing state lines. She also served as president of Pilot Clubs International and was honored as Winston County’s Woman of the Year in 1987.

Millie was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Louisville, where she volunteered in the library and worked with WMU, GAs, and Acteens.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Lawson Nichols and Flora Bell Griffin Nichols, and her two sisters, Kathryn Brewer and Glenda Nichols, all of Houston, Mississippi.

Pallbearers will be Maddox Casey, James Rushing, Nicholas Casey, Bradley Rushing, Kaiden Casey, Carson Casey, and Stuart Cavan.

Millie will be remembered for her love of family, her dedication to her community, her creative talents, and the many lives she touched along the way. Her life was a testament to the difference one person can make through kindness, service, and love.

Millie’s Christian faith was an important part of her life. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Though her family must say goodbye for now, they can hold close to the promise of eternal life and the hope of a heavenly reunion.

Her earthly journey has ended, but her love will continue to bloom in the hearts of those she leaves behind. May she rest in the eternal peace of her Savior, reunited with those who went before her and surrounded by the everlasting love of the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice or to Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes, 2681 Rocky Ridge Lane, Birmingham, Alabama 35216.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Mike Childs, pastor of First Methodist Church of Louisville, will officiate. A graveside service will follow at Louisville Memorial Cemetery.


Friday, October 30, 2026

Faye Smith White

Mrs. Faye Smith White, 87, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Dogwood Cottage at Winston Medical Center. A graveside service and interment will be held on Monday, November 2nd, at Covington Cemetery near Quitman, MS, with Rev. Perry Smith officiating. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Faye was born January 16, 1939, in Quitman, MS, to Virgie Louise and Louis Webb Smith. She worked at various businesses during her career, including TRW, Coleman’s, Yarbough’s Garden Center, was fondly remembered for her time in the deli at Gentry’s Big Star. She loved working in her yard and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church.

Faye was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gilbert Conner White; and a son, Gilbert “Chuck” White, II.

She is survived by four sons, Thomas (Janet) White, Jason (Carol) White, and Shawn (Lori) White, all of Louisville, and Mark (Robin) White of Big Cabin, OK; seven grandchildren, Kelsey White, Dakota White, Shelby White, Trevor White, Max White, Marley White, and Bella White; and three great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Covington Cemetery in Quitman, MS.

The White family would like to especially thank Quality Hospice, the staff at Winston Medical Center, and Dr. Gentry for the excellent care they provided for Faye during her time at the nursing home.

Clifford Ray Wilkerson

 Mr. Clifford Ray Wilkerson, 69, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Select Specialty Hospital in Jackson, MS.    Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. 

Frank James Lockett

Frank James Lockett, 74, of Macon, Mississippi, passed on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at his home. Graveside services will be Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 11::00 a.m., at the Mayhan Cemetery, Macon, Mississippi. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 until 5 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Lockett was preceded in death by his Parents, Winston and Berdia Lockett; Grandson; and Siblings, 6.

Mr. Lockett is survived by his wife, Lorene Lockett; children, Natasha Payton (Lyndon), and DeAndra L. Young (Alex) ; grandchildren , 3; Siblings, 9; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and family.

Thursday, October 29, 2026

Missy Bridges West

Mrs. Melissa “Missy” Bridges West, age 48, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at her home in Louisville, Mississippi. A memorial celebration of life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 31st, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Scott Lowrey officiating. Arrangements are being made by Porter Funeral Home.

Missy was born on April 30, 1978, in Louisville, MS. She was a graduate of Louisville High School and East Mississippi Community College, where she completed her nursing degree. Missy served her community as an LPN for 27 years at Louisville Medical Clinic and the Hudspeth Center of Louisville. Missy lived a life filled with love, faith, family, friendship, and service. Missy’s legacy will live on through the family, friends, and countless memories left behind.

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3 (NIV).

Missy was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Daniel Bridges.
Missy is survived by her husband, Scott West of Louisville, MS; her daughter, Kaleigh Allen of Indianapolis, IN; her son, Cayson Allen of Louisville, MS; her mother, Helen Lang (Ken) Hooks of Louisville; her brothers, Bobby (Kathy) Orr of Starkville, Greg Orr of Louisville, and Robin (Ashley) Bridges of Birmingham, AL; her sisters, Melinda (Ken) Williams of Mathiston, MS, Janet (Robert) Myers of Mathiston, MS, and Pam (Robert) McCool of Louisville; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Yvonne Giffin McMillin

Yvonne Giffin McMillin, 89, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026 at her residence in North Carolina. Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, November 4, at Porter Funeral Home, Louisville MS, with Mike Childs officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 A.M until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Yvonne leaves a legacy of intellect and charm. She was an avid bridge player and life-long learner, a seeker of knowledge including philosophy, religion, politics, and history. Yvonne had a fun sense of humor that drew people to her. She adored her many friends, some of whom she knew as a young girl. In addition, she was generous and charitable, giving freely to people in need and causes close to her heart.

She was born in Louisville, MS on February 6, 1937. She attended Louisville schools, graduating from Louisville High School followed by Millsaps College. Until her recent move to North Carolina, she never left Louisville and proudly called it home. She taught school for many years, was a member of the First Methodist Church and enjoyed her many clubs and bridge clubs over the years.

Her legacy lives on in her daughters, Beth Crawford Weingarden and Jean Crawford Monroe O’Hara (Patrick). She is also survived by her grandchildren Paul Monroe (Caitlin), Grey Monroe (Marie), Rachel Weingarden, Michael Weingarden, and three great grandchildren Hatch, Kimberly, and Madeline. She also has many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Sadie Horton Giffin and Russell Gifffin, and her siblings Horton Giffin, Alma Jean Younger, Betty Mae Martin, Jackie Giffin, Bonnie Giffin, and Margurite Giffin.

Carolyn Hurt Rogers

Carolyn Hurt Rogers, 90, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Winston Medical Center Nursing Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Graveside services and interment will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 30 in Good Hope Cemetery with Bro. David Keen officiating.

Carolyn was born December 11, 1935, to William and Ruth Puckett Hurt in Louisville. She was a faithful member of Good Hope Baptist Church where she played both the piano and organ. Carolyn began playing piano at church when she was 14 years old and later traveled with a minister as he preached revivals, accompanying him on the piano. She loved working in her yard, especially keeping the pinecones picked up. Carolyn dearly loved her family. She enjoyed following her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their various activities and was one of their biggest supporters. She enjoyed taking care of her family, often cleaning house and doing laundry for her grandchildren.

Carolyn is survived by her son, Don Rogers (Rebecca) and her son-in-law, Bennie Mac Joiner all of Louisville. One of her greatest joys was being “Granny” to her five grandchildren: Amy Rogers, Tyler Rogers (Amber), Tate Rogers (Shelby), Charlie Mac Joiner (Lindsey), and Cassi Chancellor (Bart). She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren: Jackson Joiner, Jett Joiner (Chloe), Judson Joiner, James Haven Joiner, Ava Chancellor, Will Chancellor, Lila Rogers, Mattie Rogers, Parker Rogers, Walt Rogers, and Weezie Rogers; as well as her nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bernice Rogers; her daughter, Debbie Rogers Joiner; her parents, William and Ruth Hurt, and two siblings, Bennie Charles Hurt and Aleda Mae Lawrence.

Serving as pallbearers are Tyler Rogers, Tate Rogers, Charlie Mac Joiner, Bart Chancellor, Jackson Joiner, Jett Joiner, Judson Joiner, James Haven Joiner, and Will Chancellor. Memorials in honor of Carolyn may be given to Good Hope Cemetery Fund, c/o Robin Fulton, 2751 E. Winston Road, Louisville, MS 39339.

The family would like to thank Dr. Maribeth Hillhouse, the staff of the Winston Medical Center Nursing Home, and Gentiva Hospice for their loving care and services.



Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Donnie Frank Chandler

Donnie Frank Chandler, 71, passed away on October 24, 2026.

He was born to Orland E. Chandler and Burneice Fay White on September 22, 1955, with a fiery shock of red hair. Young Donnie found his fun exploring the outdoors and playing with creatures of all sizes; this sense of curiosity would come to define him as a person. He graduated from Louisville High School then sought out adventure--from surviving eleven grueling years on an oil rig, to working as a bouncer in a New Orleans club. After receiving B.A.'s in archeology, anthropology, and computer science at Mississippi State University, he travelled the world which led to him meeting the love of his life, Mei Qiang. They married in China, moved back to Mississippi, and had a daughter. His family filled up the biggest space of his heart.

The second biggest space was claimed by rocks. Big rocks, small rocks, gritty rocks, sparkling rocks. Donnie was always an artist, having painted and sketched as a hobby for years, but discovering rockhounding opened the world to him in a brand new way--it combined his love of digging in the dirt with his penchant for creating beautiful things. He joined the Mississippi Gem and Mineral Society and became an avid and longstanding member, working almost every annual exhibition and participating in the push to officially recognize Mississippi's own state gem, the Mississippi Opal. He lived for his trips to mountains and quarries, filling his truck bed with buckets of stones then transforming those stones into jewelry to gift to his wife and daughter (and family, and his wife's family, and friends, and his daughter's friends).

In his retired life, Donnie began showcasing his work at craft shows. His days were spent sitting on the banks of the Ross Barnett Reservoir or the porch of Martin's in Jackson, carefully twisting wires into trees and threading beads into bracelets. He drove to all corners of the southeast with his truck full of wares to set up shop, dole out his homemade apple frybread, and make as many new friends as he possibly could. And when he wasn't crafting or chatting, he enjoyed his family; whether near or far, the Qiang-Chandler group chat was always filled with endless laughter and "Goodnight, loves!!" to spare.

Donnie left his mark on so many people. He is remembered fondly for his bright smile, signature floppy hat, and jingling pocket full of stones to share--an image of a spirited man bursting with joy and heart. We will miss him so, so terribly, but what an honor it has been to experience this storied life with him.

He is preceded in death by his father, Orland; his mother, Burneice; and his sister, Dixie. He is succeeded by his wife, Mei, and daughter Sherlee.

A memorial service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Louisville, Mississippi on Thursday, October 29th, at 2:00 P.M. with Bro. Danny Cheatham officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Mississippi Gem and Mineral Society, (www.missgems.org).

Friday, October 23, 2026

Dannie Hancock

 Ms. Dannie Hancock ,96, of Louisville MS passed away, Monday October 19, 2026. Funeral Service will be held Saturday October 31, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Union Chapel M.B Church, in Louisville, MS. Taylor's Funeral Home of Louisville, MS is entrusted with the arrangements.


Thursday, October 22, 2026

Tawana Latrell Jernigan

Tawana Latrell Jernigan, 38, of Louisville, MS., passed on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Saint Dominic Hospital, Jackson, MS.. Funeral Service will be Friday, 11 a.m., at Beck Funeral home, 226 North St., Louisville, MS. 39339. Visitation will be Thursday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Louisville Memorial Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Monday, October 19, 2026

June Richardson Coalter

Mrs. June Richardson Coalter, 93, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at her home in Mobile, AL. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 24th, at Jackson Field Cemetery in Winston County. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

June was born January 31, 1933, in Louisville, MS, to Alma Lee and Robert Conner Richardson. She was a graduate of Louisville High School. She worked for many years for the FBI in Washington, and with the Department of Agriculture in Alabama. She also was a real estate agent.

She was a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be dearly missed.

James E. Arnold

James E. Arnold, 90, passed away with his loving family by his side on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Bee Hive Homes in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 4 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Charlie Wilkes officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Noxapater, Mississippi.

James was born April 7, 1936, to Rudell and Melrose Tennison Arnold in Georgia. He was a member of Noxapater Baptist Church. James liked to “piddle”…he enjoyed taking things apart to see how they worked; but he was not always successful in putting them back together! In his younger years, he also enjoyed fishing. James retired as a diesel mechanic on the pipeline.

James is survived by two daughters, Debra Arnold (Angel Huddleston) of Philadelphia and Marie Deese (Mark) of Decatur, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was being “Daddy James” to his two granddaughters, Madison Alford Chunn (Eli) and Morgan Alford. He is also survived by his four great-grandchildren: Darci Chunn, Roper Chunn, Mabree Lou Chunn, and Gunner Neese; as well as his loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Lou Suttle Arnold, whom he visited each day at the cemetery; his daughter, Ann Arnold; his parents; and three siblings: Mary Ruth Cetchovich, Minnie Ruth Valdez Cook, and Jack Arnold.

Serving as pallbearers are Rusty Suttle, Charlie Wilkes, Kenny Drury, and Riley Jones. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in honor of Daddy James be given to Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, Office of Development, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS 39216.