Our Dear Departed
- James Whit “Jimmy” Ables Jr
- Alan Byron Campbell
- Charles Mendell Courtney
- Hobson “Doc” Gary
- Robert T. Hardeman, Jr
- Charles Eugene “Gene” Howard II
- Richard Lee “Ricky” Long
- Aubrey Dewit “Sandy” Meredith
- Vicki Jean Palmertree
- Mary Lou Rayman
- Jasper Franklin Smith
- Louis Albert Smith
- John Tanner Stanton
- George Walter Stubbs
- Marion Guy Trotter
- Odell Clinton Tucker Jr.
- Nell Parker Watts Maddux
- Julian “Eugene” Wolfe
- James Noel Wood
- Arthur Lewis Woodside
A tribute to those who are no longer with us.
James Whit “Jimmy” Ables Jr
Jimmy was a native of Coffeeville and an Eagle Scout in Greenwood. He was a graduate of Pillow Academy and attended Mississippi State University. He was a former employee of Starkville Electric Department and a former member of the Starkville Police Academy. He was employed by Georgia Pacific as an electronics technician.
He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Vera Miles of Clarksdale; father, James W. (Slick) Ables of Mayhew; stepmother, Idabelle Able; sister, Mrs. Betty Ann Matthews of Clarksdale; brother, Sgt. Robert William Ables of Fort Raleigh, Kan; and grandparents Col. and Mrs. Steve R. Wilkerson of Mayhew.
Alan Byron Campbell
Alan lived in Carroll County most of his life. He was a 1973 graduate of Pillow Academy a 1976 graduate of the state Police Academy in Jackson.
Mr. Campbell served in law enforcement for 16 years. He was a member of the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, an avid hunter and a licensed gunsmith.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa Kay Campbell of Carrollton; a son, Byron L. Campbell of Carrollton; a daughter, Brandy Campbell March of Sacramento, Calif.; his father, Houston Campbell of Carrollton; a brother, Mark Campbell of Memphis; and a granddaughter, Addie March.
Charles Mendell Courtney
Charles was a graduate of Pillow Academy and attended Mississippi State University. He was a member of North Greenwood Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a member of the audio/visual team for many years. He had a successful career in radio broadcasting, insurance sales and wireless sales. He spent most of his life in Greenwood and had recently retired to Starkville.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kay Makamson Courtney of Starkville; his son, Jason Courtney (Courtney) of Brandon; his daughter, Janna Sanford (Sean) of Starkville; his sister, Barbara Schilling (Doug) of Magnolia; four grandchildren, Thomas Courtney, Julia Courtney, Clara Jane Courtney and Lyla Sanford.
Hobson “Doc” Gary
Captain Hobson “Doc” Gary
February 28, 1955 – July 16, 2025
With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we share that Hobson “Doc” Gary—beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and storyteller—passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, surrounded by love and light.
Born on February 28, 1955, and raised on a family farm in Schlater, Mississippi, Doc’s roots ran deep in the Delta soil. He graduated from Pillow Academy in Greenwood and later earned his degree from Mississippi State University. He returned home to farm alongside his father for several years before answering the call of the skies.
Doc spent decades as a commercial pilot with FedEx, ultimately serving as a Captain on the 767, a career that took him all over the world and filled his heart with awe, perspective, and an endless supply of stories—many of which he told with a mischievous grin and that unmistakable glint in his eye and a voice that could melt away any trouble.
After retiring from aviation, Doc found a new kind of adventure in everyday moments. He and his wife Jaime built a joyful life together with their loyal dogs, Knox and Finn, eventually settling in the Blue Ridge foothills of Crozet, Virginia. Doc loved his quiet perch on the “Ponderosa,” where he read voraciously, tinkered with old wood, reflected on the wisdom of his mother Claudine, and never missed a chance to share a good quote or a better joke.
Doc is survived by his mother, Claudine Lusk Gary; his wife, Jaime Gary; his son and daughter-in-law, Clark and Candace Gary; his grandchildren, Rogan, Rayne, and River, who brought him immeasurable pride and joy; his sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Jason Evers; and his beloved niece and nephews, Zachary, Ethan, and Bayleigh Evers.
He also leaves behind his extended family: cousins Lilian Arzaghi and Tommy Lusk; Dennis and Jeaneen Burling; and Linda and Bill Metrie. He is preceded in death by his father, Floyd Hobson Gary Sr.
Doc’s legacy is woven into the lives he touched with his wisdom, wit, and warmth. Whether he was in a cockpit at 30,000 feet or sitting on a rooftop with friends viewing a glorious sunset with a glass in hand, he reminded us that life is about perspective—and that even a “bumfuzzled” moment could be full of meaning.
Per Doc’s wishes, a small private service will be held at his cherished country church, Mount Moriah Church in White Hall, Virginia. At a later date, a Celebration of Life will be held in Memphis, Tennessee for all who knew and loved him—a time to tip a glass, share stories, and honor Doc in true fashion. Details for the Memphis gathering will be shared in the coming weeks.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of the peace and spiritual home Doc found in Virginia, the family welcomes donations to support the ongoing ministry of his beloved church:
Mt. Moriah Church
P.O. Box 220
White Hall, VA 22987
Through every story he shared, and every heart he inspired, Doc’s own story lives on.
Robert Taylor Hardeman, Jr
Robert Taylor Hardeman, Jr. of Grenada, Mississippi, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at his residence.
Robert was born on June 28, 1955 in Duval County, Florida. Robert graduated from Pillow Academy in 1973. He was a proud Marine and after his service, graduated from Mississippi State University in 1986 with an engineering degree.
Attention to detail was immense to Robert, and he used this gift in his many years of construction, consulting and engineering. One of the greatest joys of his life was being asked to oversee the building of the swimming pool at Twin Rivers, because it was in honor of his mother.
Robert was an avid music enthusiast, who loved to travel, and work on things like cars, old buildings, or anything that needed his eye for detail. He was also an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Grenada, where he served on the vestry.
He was predeceased by his father, Robert Taylor Hardeman, and his beloved “Pup.”
He leaves behind his mother, Eleanor Steele Hardeman of Greenwood; his sister, Eleanor Hardeman Acosta of Greenwood; nieces, Ellie Acosta Aldridge (Brad) and Katie Acosta; nephew, Jody Acosta (Mary Kathryn); great nephew, Lawson Smith, and great nieces, Mariella and Everleigh Acosta.
A memorial service will be held at Wilson and Knight Funeral Home on Saturday, February 17, at noon, with visitation preceding at 11 a.m.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ganes Clements, Eddie Wayne Cumins, Buddy Morgan, Hal Norris, Jerry Pinkston, Robert Powers, and Steve Upshaw.
Memorials may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church in Grenada, the Leflore County Humane Society in memory of “Pup,” or Pillow Academy.
Charles Eugene “Gene” Howard II
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Michelle Howard of Oldsmar, FL; along with two sons, Charles Eugene (Adrian Rust) Howard III and Jeremy Wayne (Brittany) Howard both of Oldsmar and a daughter Heather (Troy) Jarvi of Jacksonville, FL; four grandchildren, Ashley, Mason, Kole and Ella. Gene is also survived by his mother, Faye (Rutledge) Howard along with a brother, Julius (Teresa) Howard, Jr and a sister Judy (Tommy) Stonebraker all of Odessa, FL.
Richard Lee “Ricky” Long
Mr. Long was a self-employed plumber. He co-owned Long & Chambless Plumbing Heating and Electric. Co.
He was a Boy Scout leader. He coached a soccer team and was an avid bass fisherman. He was a member of the Greenwood Leflore Chamber of Commerce and a member of First United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Grace Miller Long of Greenwood; one son, Richard Rhyne Long of Greenwood; two daughters Rebecca Long Magiotto of Bowling Green, Ky and Gene Long Jennings of Blytheville, AR; two brothers, Jimmy Lyn Long and Forrest Long, both of Greenwood; and one sister Mary Long Parkerson of McComb and four grandsons.
Aubrey Dewit “Sandy” Meredith
Aubrey Dewit ‘Sandy’ Meredith Jr., 37, farmer, died Thursday at South Louisiana Medical Center in Houma, La.
Mr. Meredith leaves a daughter, Aubrey Meredith of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; his parents, Aubrey and Evelyn Meredith of Minter City; three sisters, Jeanette Kelly and Madelene Meredith, both of Minter City, and Jane Reynolds of Colorado, and his grandmother, Nan Cole Meredith of Leland.
Vicki Jean Palmertree
Vicki Bloodworth was a program technician for the Farm Services Agency in Grenada. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Grenada and a very active supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Survivors include her daughters, Donna Layne Bloodworth of Grenada and Erin Patridge Barefoot of Grenada; her parents, W. Everette and Lois Palmertree of Minter City; her brother, William “Bill” Palmertree of Minter City; and four grandchildren.
Mary Lou Rayman
Mrs. Mary Lou Davis, a Greenwood native and Pillow Academy graduate, was a registered nurse. She attended the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson and graduated from Mississippi Delta Community College with a degree in nursing.
She was a state officer of the Baptist Nursing Fellowship and a member of North Carrolton Baptist Church, where she served as a Girls in Action leader.
Survivors include her husband, Paul Davis Jr. of Carrollton: two sons, Paul G. “Tripp” Davis III and Joshua “Josh” Davis, both of Carrollton,; her father Luther Raymond of Carrollton; and a brother, George D. Goodnight of Clarksdale.
Jasper Franklin Smith
At an early age, Jasper professed his faith in Jesus Christ and joined Glendora United Methodist Church. He loved the Lord and read his Bible from cover to cover numerous times.
He attended West Tallahatchie High School and graduated from Pillow Academy in Greenwood. He attended the University of Mississippi in Oxford, where he was a member of SAE Fraternity. He started a moving company in Richardson and graduated from Colour and Precision Hair Cut at Toni and Guy, Dallas, and was self-employed.
He was well-known for his thoughtfulness to those in need, willingness to help people, and love of Jesus and of country western dancing. Everyone loved his fantastic personality and his never-ending smile.
He is survived by the loves of his life, his beautiful daughters Miller Virginia Smith and DeLani Steele Smith of Dallas. He was especially proud of both of his daughters being members of Dallas Lake Highland High School’s cheer team and being on the Elite Wranglers Country Western Dance Team representing Texas and performing at the Texas Trump Presidential Inaugural Ball in Washington.
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Louis Albert Smith
Albert enjoyed spending time with his family and showing his son’s how to fix everything. Albert was an extremely generous person, giving everything he had to help out another person. He was known for his quiet demeanor, his happy personality, and his calming spirit. Most of all, Albert loved the Lord and could often be found telling someone about Dr. Murray and the Shepherd’s Chapel.
Survivors include his sons, Albert B. Smith (Ashley) and Eric Smith (Deanna); grandchildren, Rena, Valcour, Wilson, and Grey Smith; sister, Jackie Shepherd (Gary); several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
John Tanner Stanton
John was a graduate of Pillow Academy and Ole Miss, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. As a CPA, John had a successful career as a financial consultant. John’s love for the ocean took him from the Mississippi Delta to the Mississippi Coast. His love for the mountains and snow took him to Oregon and then to Maine for the last years of his life.
John was a gifted writer. His passion was short stories, always with an unexpected twist, and his beloved cartoon series, “My Giblets.” John’s greatest gift to his family was his unwavering faith and eternal optimism, often in the face of life’s greatest struggles. Regardless of the trials, John never once asked, “Why, Lord?” but woke up every single day in search of His goodness. John found joy in the squawking of the seagulls. John found peace in a fresh snowfall. He found solace in a warm bed and a good book. While the STANTON family mourns their great loss, they share an eternal gratitude that God blessed each of them with John to share their journey.
John is survived by his brother, Mike (Carolyn) Stanton; three sisters, Liz Haskins, Perry-Anne (Bill) Smith, and Jenni (Garlon) Lain; 10 nieces and nephews and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews.
George Walter Stubbs
Mr. George Walter Stubbs, 67, of Trumann, AR, departed this life on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Arkansas Continued Care Hospital in Jonesboro, AR. He was born in Greenwood, MS, to the late Billy Gene and Daphne Jean Ussery Stubbs.
George was a hardworking, honest, and loyal man that everyone looked up to and always sought his advice. He loved family and was happiest spending time being “Pop” and playing with his grandkids. George was the warehouse manager for Dixie Gin and Warehouse and was of the Methodist faith.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary E. Stephen Stubbs of Trumann, AR; three daughters, Amanda (Charles) Williams of Franklin, TN, April Clayton of Little Rock, and Anna (Michael) Vinson of Jonesboro; two brothers, Billy Gene (Cheryl) Stubbs, Jr of Coila, MS and John (Diane) Stubbs of Clarksdale, MS; one sister, Sally Rowe of Coila, MS; and four grandchildren, Charles Williams, Callen Williams, Emrey Vinson, and Evelyn Vinson.
Marion Guy Trotter
Guy graduated from Pillow Academy and followed up with a year at Mississippi State University. Guy worked for the Corps. of Engineers until he began working at his parents’ “fish house.” He is remembered most for bringing out the hot fish basket from the back of Guy’s Catfish & Steak House with his handsome smile. He was full of hospitality & loved to come out from the cook line to talk to his family and friends. Guy loved all things cooking & good food. He loved sports, particularly baseball & his “Dawgs”. He was a mama’s boy through & through.
In the past year he resided at Dogwood Assisted Living Center in Fulton. Guy lit up like the rising sun when his granddaughters were around. He bragged on them every chance he got and spoiled them rotten when he could. He found a loving family at Dogwood that he never knew existed. Guy started attending The Orchard United Methodist Church every Sunday he was able. Because of the unconditional love he received there, Guy finally won his long hard fight with the devil. He found a Love he never knew he deserved.
He is survived by a daughter, Jessica Lexann Everett (Stephen Ray) of Tupelo; a sister, Rachelle T. Bright (Carey) of Coffeeville; two granddaughters, Lexanne Hays “Anne Hays” and Ella Ray Everett. A “special aunt,” Carolyn Hankins of Greenwood. Mother and father-in-law, George and Shirlene Young of Itta Bena. sister-in-law, Shea Hitchcock and brother-in-law, Mark Young. Six nieces, Kim Putman, Anna Carpenter, Adrienne Taylor, Natalie Sewell, Lacy Smith, and Lainey Rucker. Two nephews, Justin Hitchcock and Gavin Young.
Nell Parker Watts Maddux
Nell Parker Watts Maddux, 68, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at her home in Greenwood.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at McNutt Cemetery in Schlater with the Rev. Dr. Jim Phillips officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Greenwood Delta Funeral Home.
Nell Parker was born in Greenwood to Lee Austin and Nell Parker Watts. She grew up in Schlater and graduated from Pillow Academy and Mississippi State University. While at Mississippi State, she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She moved to Jackson, where she had a successful career in banking, retiring as vice president of loan operations with more than 30 years in the profession. While in Jackson, she volunteered her time for several nonprofit organizations during her professional career.
Nell Parker moved back home to Greenwood after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and enjoyed spending time with her family and at church. While Alzheimer’s drastically changed her life, it provided the opportunity for her to cultivate her spiritual life. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and became a member of North Greenwood Baptist Church.
Nell Parker is preceded in death by her husband, Richard H. Maddux, and her father, Lee Austin Watts. Survivors include her mother, Nell Parker Watts of Greenwood; her sister, Adrian Watts Tribble (Harry Ray) of Greenwood; her brother, Lee Austin Watts Jr. (Lucy); five nieces, a nephew, six great-nieces and three great-nephews.
Julian “Eugene” Wolfe
Survivors include his son Chad Wolfe, 3 grandchildren, sister Peggy Baker of Greenwood, and a brother; Pat Spencer of Delta, LA.
James Noel Wood
James was a farmer in Sidon. He was a graduate of Pillow Academy and Mississippi State University, where he received a degree in agriculture. He was a board member for LECO Gin Co. in Sidon and a member of First Baptist Church in Tchula.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Goss Wood of Sidon; two sons, Tony Reeves and Jeff Reeves, both of Greenwood; one sister, Fonda Davidson of Tchula; one granddaughter, Meri Brynn Reeves of Greenwood; two nephews, Richard Davidson and James Davidson, both of Tchula; and one niece, Mayme Kathryn Davidson of Tchula.
Arthur Lewis Woodside
Arthur attended Baylor Prep School, Pillow Academy and the University of Mississippi. After attending school, Arthur moved to Texas, where he spent the rest of his life. Arthur will always be remembered by his infectious smile, his generous nature and his deep love for his family and friends.
He is survived by his son, Arthur Lewis Woodside III, and his grandson, Bruce Leo Robertson III, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his sister, Mary Beebe Woodside of Asheville, North Carolina; sister and brother-in-law Emily Woodside and Bill Falvey of Memphis, Tennessee; sister Betsy McClendon of Little Rock, Arkansas; sister and brother-in-law Lynn and Nat Mosley of Dallas, Texas; and 10 nieces and nephews.