Joe Farley Gordy
Joe Farley Gordy, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2017 at The West Gate Village Nursing Home, surrounded by family and friends.
Joe leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Carol Gordy, his in-laws Don and Jan Grosso, nieces Kelly (Jake) Billingsley and Taylor (Brad) Jackson, nephew John (Melissa) Grosso of Brewton, nephew Brian (Tamara) Gordy and niece Kelly (Stacey) Scroggins of Arkansas, along with several great-nieces and great-nephews who loved him very much. Joe is preceded in death by his mother and father Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Gordy and brother James (Mildred) Gordy of Eldorado, Arkansas.
Born April 5th, 1940, in Forest, Mississippi, Joe began a career in retail floristry in Starkville after receiving a degree in horticulture from Mississippi State University, where he was later recognized as Alumni Fellow and College Alumnus of the Year in 2008.
In 1978 Joe moved to Alabama when Knud Nielsen Co., a leading importer and manufacturer of dried flowers, hired him as Director of Product Development, where he worked until he and his wife Carol purchased Natural Decorations, Inc. (NDI), in which they elevated the stature and use of high end faux flowers worldwide.
Gordy had a passion for flowers, which began with childhood days spent on a farm where he grew up working in the garden with his family and drew inspiration from the surrounding environment and nature. his love of nature, as well as creative ability, helped Gordy excel as a floral designer.
Among his many accomplishments, he was invited to decorate the White House at Christmas for the Ronald Reagan administration three times. He served as a judge at the 93rd Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California and judged the 1993 World Cup of Floral Design in Stockholm, Sweden. Joe was inducted to the American Institute of Floral Designers where he served as a member of the Board of Directors and President.
In recent years, Joe was named Brewton Citizen of the year in 2004, and served as Board member and past Chairman of the Brewton Tree and Beautification Board. In 2015 Joe received recognition for the donation of his extensive personal library of Ornamental Horticulture books to the Brewton Public Library.
Joe enjoyed growing orchids in his greenhouse, gardening, traveling and he loved his church family. He will be remembered for his eloquent delivery of humorous jokes. Joe could be seen every afternoon walking his beloved dogs, Daisy and Lucille around the Evergreen/Belleville block.
Services for Joe were held at First United Methodist Church in Brewton, Alabama on August 14th at 11:00 am. Memorials may be made to The Greater Brewton Foundation in Joe’s name. (P.O. Box 87 Brewton, AL 36427.
Please share your memories and condolences with the family at www.craversfh.com
John Wilson McMillan
Mr. John Wilson McMillan, age 42, passed away on Thursday August 10, 2017 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Visitation was held on Saturday August 12, 2017 from 4:30 PM until 6:00 PM and again on Sunday August 13, 2017 from 1:30 PM until 1:50 PM at Wolf Funeral Services in Lake, MS. Funeral Services were held on Sunday August 13, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Wolf Funeral Services Chapel in Lake, MS. Burial followed in the Eastern Cemetery in Forest, MS; there were no graveside services. Wolf Funeral Services in Lake, MS was in charge of the arrangements.
A native of Texas, Mr. McMillan had lived in Forest, MS since 1989 where he moved from Pearl, MS. He was a member of the Forest Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Owen and Frances McMillan and Wilson and Penny Bounds. He is survived by his parents, Terry and Sarah McMillan of Forest, MS; one sister, Christi Brenna of Forest, MS; best friend, Chad Burns; Godson, Anthony Burns; and a host of aunt, uncles, cousins, and other relatives and friends.
You may leave an on-line condolence or light a memory candle by visiting our website at www.wolffuneralservices.com.
Linda Rushing
Linda Rushing, age 71, a lifelong resident of Forest died Friday August 11, 2017 following an extended illness.
Visitation was held from 11 am to 1 pm Monday August 14, 2017 at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Forest. Graveside services followed the Visitation at Ephesus Cemetery. Prayer was given by Dale Rushing, eulogy by Mrs. Jeannie Harrison and Rev. Chris Harrison will offer remarks and prayer.
Linda was born in Forest on Tuesday, June 4, 1946 to her parents, Futch Gardner and Trudie Lois Bugg Gardner.
She was self-employed as a Beautician. She was a longtime member of Ephesus Baptist Church. She enjoyed being with her family and visiting friends. Linda enjoyed living in the country and enjoyed the beauty the country life offered. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Clayton Rushing.
Survivors include two children, Steven Rushing (Jennifer) and Dave Rushing (Elicia). She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Justin Rushing, Josh Rushing, Lauren Risher and Garrett Risher. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Ryan Rushing and Grayson Rushing.
Pallbearers were Tim Rushing, Tate Rushing, Dale Rushing, Garrett Risher, Justin Rushing and Landon McCrory. Honorary pallbearers are Josh Rushing and Alex Harrison.
Gary Boykin
Services for Mr. Gary Boykin were held at 11 am, Friday, August 11, 2017 at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Sebastopol with burial in the Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Bill Boykin and Bro. Phillip Roland officiated.
Visitation was held from 9 am-11 am, Friday, August 11, 2017 at Milling Funeral Home of Sebastopol.
Survivors in clude his wife Lisa Boykin of Sebastopol, one son: Rusty Boykin and wife, Brandy of Sebastopol, mother, Shirley Boykin of Sebastopol, one sister: Debra Walley and husband, Lester of Waynesboro, two nephews: Bobby Walley of Waynesboro and Ben Walley of Waynesboro, one niece: Barbara McCarty and husband, Daniel of Waynesboro.
He is also survived by four great-nephews and three great-nieces.
He is preceded in death by his father, Bob Boykin; Johnny and Eugie Mae Boykin and Hugh and Lola Bell Thompson.
Pallbearers were Josh Netherland, James Boykin, Ben Walley, Richard Boykin, Phillip Roland and Steve Fredrick.
Tim Chunn
Tim Chunn, age 49, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2017 at his home in Pulaski with his loving wife and family by his side. Visitation was held from 5-9 pm Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Morton and 8:30 am-1:30 pm Sunday at the funeral home. Funeral services were held 2 pm Sunday, August 13, 2017 from the Ott & Lee Chapel in Morton with burial in Piney Grove Cemetery. Bro. Paul Smith and Bro. Joey Smith officiated the services. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Morton.
Tim was born on June 18, 1968 in Scott County. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved to fish and hunt. Tim enjoyed doing woodworks. He fought a courageous battle with cancer for four years. He never lost his smile and witness for the Lord. Tim loved his family very much and he will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Louise and Jinx Harrell; grandfather, Johnny Thompson; sister, Amanda Chunn; fathers-in law, James Stinson and Burl Hamilton.
He is survived by wife of almost 26 years, Kay Hamilton Chunn of Pulaski, 2 children, Jacob Hamilton of Madison and Jeremy Chunn of Rankin County; parents, Freddie and Judy Chunn of Leesburg; grandmother, Polly Thompson of Leesburg; mother-in-law, Nita Stinson of Pulaski; brother, Richard Chunn of Rankin County; niece, Shiann Chunn of Leesburg; brother-in-law, Bruce Hamilton of Polkville; sister-in-law, Pam McCleave of Florence; two grandchildren, Jaci Hamilton and Danyale Langston and a host of many friends.
Pallbearers were Jonathan Harrell, Michael Harrell, Mitchell Tagert, Justin Boykin, Daniel Harrell and Jody Harrison. Honorary pallbearers were Trent Boykin, Jack Harrison and Ricky Harrison.
Memorials may be made in his name and honor to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 2178, Ridgeland, MS 39158.
Alice Louise Wilkerson
Mrs. Alice Louise Wilkerson, age 87, passed away in Newton, MS, August 5, 2017.
Visitation and funeral services were held Saturday August 12, 2017 at the Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Forest, MS.
Rev. Gene Banes officiated. Music was provided by Mr. Danny Harrison, soloist and Mrs. Natalie Emmons, pianist.
Alice was born to Earl L. Wilkinson and Elsie B. Lulf on November 11, 1929 in Oelrichs, South Dakota. She moved to Scott County in 1960 with her husband, Major, and three children. She enjoyed sewing and needlework of all kinds. For many years she walked daily and was an avid member for the Forest Body Recall exercise group.
She is preceded in death by her parents: Earl and Elsie Wilkinson; her son: Ronnie Wilkerson; and her husband: Major E. Wilkerson.
Alice was survived one daughter: Debbie (Paul) Trunzler; one son: Kenny Wilkerson; one daughter-in-law: Mary Ann Wilkerson; she is also survived by five grandchildren: Anthony L. Wilkerson, Michelle (Stanley) Gressett, Rhonda Griffith, Ken (Amy) Wilkerson, Troy (Shelly) Wilkerson; eight great-grandchildren: Megan (Corey) Hawker, Matthew Gressett, Ryan Gressett, Black Griffith, Julie Griffith, Calvin Wilkerson, Sara Wilkerson, and Jacob Wilkerson.
The family would like to thank Terry Anderson for the many treats and acts of encouragement given to “Mama Alice.”
A special thank you and appreciation is extended from the family to Susie Gaines (Susie’s Tender Touch of Newton) for five-and-a-half years of devoted love and extraordinary care.
Serving as pallbearers were Troy Wilkerson, Ken Wilkerson, Anthony Wilkerson, Ricky Wilkerson, Hiram Wilkerson, and Steve Posey.
Alternate pallbearer was Paul Mulrerin.
Dr. W.L. “Bill” Shaw, Jr.
Memorial services for Dr. W.L. “Bill” Shaw, Jr. will be on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church on 594 Fairview Rd., Indianola, MS. Dr. Shaw had donated his body to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for medical research.
Friends and family may visit at the church from 1:00 p.m. until time for the memorial service. Memorial gifts may be made to the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
