Stanley Drinkard
Stanley Drinkard, age 69, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025. He enjoyed racing and working on vehicles. He is survived by his son, Chase Armendariz; brothers, Mike Drinkard (Peggy) and Phillip Drinkard; sisters, Kathy Drinkard and Faye Schmuck; nieces and nephews, Anthony Bain, Kevin Bain, Amanda Schmuck, Clint Newton, Brooke Highfield, Jason Drinkard, Tyler Hollane, Craig Bain, Nichole Bain and Justin Bain. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Drinkard and Eloise Thorne Drinkard; sisters, Angie Bain and Carol Highfield. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 30, 2025, at Ludlam Funeral Home, Iuka, MS beginning at 6p.m. with a visitation prior beginning at 5:00 p.m. Bro. Ken Garner will be officiating. Ludlam Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Stanley Drinkard. You may leave online condolences to the family at www.ludlamfuneralhome.com .
A.C. Hopkins
DENNIS, MS – A.C. Hopkins, 86, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025 at North Ms. Medical Center, Tupelo, MS. He was born in Mississippi to O.L. Hopkins and Fannie Twitty Hopkins. A.C. was a truck driver for thirty-two years and was known as “Roadmaster” by his cb trucking friends. He enjoyed motorcycle riding and golf and he loved taking road trips, traveling with his family. He was a member of Tishomingo Baptist Church.
Services will be Wednesday, June 11, 11 a.m. at Tishomingo Baptist Church, Tishomingo, MS with Bro. Rusty Fair officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 10, 5-8 p.m. at Tishomingo Baptist Church. Burial will be in Joel Cemetery, Dennis, MS. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Hopkins; three children, Tim Hopkins, Tony Hopkins (Shannon) and Kristie Whitehead (Rickey); five grandchildren, Jessica Hopkins, James Lee Hopkins, Haley Stewart (Clayton), Laken Fuller (Matt) and Kaitlyn Barnes (Kaleb); nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Gerald Hopkins (Peggy) and two sisters, Annette Wooten (Charles) and Elsie Jean Chaffin.
Pallbearers will be James Lee Hopkins, Donevon Hopkins, Matt Fuller, Kaleb Barnes, Clayton Stewart, Auston Horton and Justin Payne. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Johnson, Mike Adams, Keith Lambert, Mackey Thornton, as well as other truck driving friends.
Brenda Blakney
Brenda Blakney, 67, of Corinth, MS passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at her residence. She was born on July 23, 1957 in Alcorn County, MS to the late Bert and Marie (Hamm) Hudson and graduated from Alcorn Central High School in 1975. Brenda worked for 18 years with ITT and served as an LPN with Cornerstone Health and Rehab, later retiring with Adamsville Healthcare. She loved going to church at New Beginnings Fellowship, traveling, going to flea markets and out to eat but her greatest love was her family and spending time with them. Brenda will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Graveside services are scheduled for June 14, 2025 at 12 pm with a gathering of family and friends from 10 am till service time at Community Cemetery. Brenda is survived by her husband of 43 years, Chester Blakney; her sons, Paul Crider (Rhonda) and Daryl Blakney; her grandchildren, Devin, Aslin, Abby, Alex, and Riley; her brothers, Jonnie Earl Hudson and Donnie Wayne Hudson; her sister, Rebecca “Becky” Hudson; her brothers-in-law, Lester Blakney Jr, Travis Blakney (Ellsy), James Blakney, Jerry Blakney (Donna); her sisters-in-law, Faye Emmons, Linda Davis (Wayne), Dorothy Lambert, Liz Taylor (Rex); a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her sister, Teresa Gail Hudson; her in-laws, Lester and Mae Blakney; her brothers-in-law, Charles Blakney, Eddie Blakney (Andrita), Kenneth Emmons, and Jack Lambert; her sisters-in-law, Kristy Hudson, Lois Shults (James), Betty Hudson, Francis Blakney, and Donnia Blakney. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hope Lodge 718 Union Ave. Memphis, TN 38103. Magnolia Funeral Home has been honored to serve the family of Brenda Blakney.
EDDIE ALLEN
RED BAY, AL – Eddie Allen, 74, passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Helen Keller Hospital, Sheffield, AL. He was born in Mississippi, worked as an auto mechanic for more than fifty years and was a Christian. He loved his family and enjoyed deer hunting and fishing.
Services will be Saturday, June 7, 4 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, Red Bay, AL with Bro. Dwayne McDuff officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, June 7, 2-4 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL. Burial will be in Pleasant Site Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Janie Blacklidge Allen; one daughter, Jessica A. Beach (Matt); one son, Kyle N. Allen (Samantha); six grandchildren, Megan Eaton (Austin), Kacie Terry (Parker), Kameron Allen, Lakota Beach, Matilda Rose Beach and Everlee Beach; five great-grandchildren, Gabriel King, Raiyven Eaton, Ezekiel Eaton, Natalie Terry and Paxton Terry; his mother, Susie Todd; three sisters, Teresa McCullar (Dennon), Deb Slayton (Joe) and Anna Allen; one brother, John Allen and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer S. Allen; his father, Edward Allen; step-father, Harold Todd and three brothers, Thomas Allen, Ricky Allen and Danny Todd.
Pallbearers will be Kyle Allen, Robbie Hall, Kameron Allen, Austin Eaton, Matthew Beach and Parker Terry.
Edna Johnson Gaines
IUKA, Miss – Edna Johnson Gaines, born on April 1, 1941, peacefully passed away on June 2, 2025, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. She lived a rich and fulfilling life, dedicating herself to her family, her faith, and her community.
Edna retired from the VA Medical Center in Memphis, TN, where she worked in Employee Relations. Her career was only one testament to her dedication; she was also a proud member of the New Salem Baptist Church in Iuka. She deeply loved the Lord, her church, and her family.
In her younger years, Edna enjoyed spending time on the water, boating, singing, and traveling. Gardening became another of her passions, bringing beauty and joy to her home. Edna had a special love for animals, volunteering at the former Alcorn Animal Shelter. She was compassionate towards any stray animals she encountered, always ready to lend a helping hand.
Throughout her life, Edna contributed significantly to her community. She helped establish the Tishomingo County Food Depot and the Iuka Baptist Clothes Closet. As a member of the Gideon Women’s Auxiliary, she actively participated in various initiatives, including mission trips to the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina and missionary work with the Beautiful Feet organization in Fort Worth, TX, helping the homeless.
Edna is survived by her loving husband, Arthur E. Gaines; her daughters, Gerri Forrest Young (Scott) and Amy Urban (Tommy); her son, Rufus L. “Bud” Forrest III (Amy); her grandchildren, Ashley Nichols, Savannah Forrest, Bennett Forrest, Charles Forrest, Andrew Urban, and Alex Urban; her great-grandchildren, Laney Peters and Bobby Nichols; and a host of other friends and family members.
She was predeceased by her mother, Geraldine Johnson, and her father, Carlyle Johnson.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. A Celebration of Life service will be held at New Salem Baptist Church in Iuka, MS, on July 26, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made in her honor to the New Salem Baptist Church Building Fund, the Tishomingo County Food Depot, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Edna’s spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and she will be fondly remembered for her love, kindness, and unwavering faith.
Winfred “Winnie” Johnson,
Winfred “Winnie” Johnson, a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, at the Tishomingo Community Living Center. Born on July 25, 1934, in Mississippi, Winnie was a beacon of love and joy in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Winnie dedicated many years of her life to working as a cashier and stocker at Piggly Wiggly, where she was known not only for her hardworking nature but also for her infectious smile and kind spirit. As a great cook, she held a special place in the hearts of family and friends who gathered around her table to share in the warmth of her home-cooked meals. Cooking for everyone brought her immense joy, and it was through every stir of her ladle that she sprinkled love onto her family.
Winnie’s passions extended beyond the kitchen; she was a vibrant presence, known for her lively dancing the jitterbug and other street dances and her joyful singing at church. She deeply cherished every moment spent with her family, creating priceless memories that will be fondly recounted for years to come.
Winnie is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Johnson, and her two sons, Billy Wayne Johnson and David Lee Johnson, Sr. Her parents, David and Maudie Warhurst, welcomed her into the world, and she is now reunited with her siblings, Ruby Aldridge, Dorothy Goacher, and Billy Schell, in eternal peace.
She leaves behind her loving daughter, Teresa Hardy, and her grandchildren, David Johnson, Jr., Amanda Houston (Brock), Jamie Hardy, Doug Crane, and Ashley Johnson. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, David “D.J.” Johnson, III, and Effie-Claire Grisham. Additionally, her sister, Frankie Speece, and sister-in-law, Louise Bonds, remember her with love and admiration.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. To honor Winnie’s life, a visitation will be held on June 12, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, Mississippi. A graveside service will follow on June 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Oak Grove Cemetery in Iuka.
Winnie’s essence will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends. She was a shining light whose spirit will continue to dance through cherished memories and enduring love. Donations may be made in Winnie’s honor to St. Jude’s or Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Wayne Simpson
CRUMP-Tenn – Wayne Simpson departed this life on Thursday, June 12. 2025 in Jackson, Tenn at the age of 79.
A private interment was held at Crump Cemetery in Crump, Tenn.
Finley Jacob Southwell
Finley Jacob Southwell was born sleeping on Saturday, May 24, 2025. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka. Visitation will begin an hour prior. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Cleveland Doyle Cox
Cleveland Doyle Cox, 87, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Tishomingo Living Center in Iuka, MS. He is survived by son, Terry (Paula); granddaughters, Randi Turner and Emily Vestal (Michael); great-granddaughter, Eden Grace Vestal; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Artie Cox; son, Joe Cox; daughter-in-law, Lesa Elrod Cox; granddaughter, Kristin Renee Cox; parents, Frank and Sadie Cox; and brothers, Euel, Dennis, Bill, and Nash Cox.
He was a member of South Crossroads Baptist Church. He loved his family, tending to livestock, gardening, and listening to gospel and country music.
Visitation will be on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Ludlam Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, from 10:00-11:00 AM. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at Ludlam Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Nathaniel Bullard officiating. Interment will be at Burgess Creek Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Tishomingo, MS, with no graveside service.
A special thank you to Gentiva Hospice, nurse Holly Manness, and the rest of the staff who took wonderful care of him in his final days. Also, thank you to all the staff at the Tishomingo Living Center for their love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) Alliance. Ludlam Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Cleveland Doyle Cox. You may leave your condolences online to the family at http://www.ludlamfuneralhome.com
Mary Sue Wright
Mary Sue Wright, age 78, of Iuka, Mississippi, passed away on June 14, 2025, at Tishomingo Manor Nursing Home. Born on January 12, 1947, in Mississippi, she lived a life enriched by her deep commitment to family, community, and her cherished interests.
Mary Sue dedicated over 30 years of her life to her career, having held the election before becoming the Election Commissioner. Though her professional life was characterized by service and dedication, it was perhaps in her personal life where she truly shone. She was beloved for her kindness, especially by those she and her husband, Robert Allen, cared for, often helping the widowed and shut-in members of her community.
A member of New Salem Baptist Church, Mary Sue not only taught Sunday School, but also engaged actively in various community organizations, including the Homemakers Club, Quilt Guild, and Daughters of the American Revolution. Her involvement with the Eastern Star and as the Queen Mother of the Red Hat Society reflected her vibrant spirit and passion for social connection.
Mary Sue loved spending time at the Amish community, indulging her interests in sewing, quilting, tending to her flower gardens, enjoying the beauty of hummingbirds, delving into genealogy, and sending cards that brought joy to her family and friends. Her proudest accomplishments included being a nurturing mother and caretaker of her family, a role she embraced wholeheartedly.
She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Robert Allen Wright; her children, Nelda Wilemon (Mack), Deborah Wright, Steven Wright (Kimberly), and Beth Hudson (Brian); her grandchildren, Lydia Mills (Collin), Robbie Wright (Jessica Cisco), Brooke Hudson, and Brady Hudson; her sibling, Martha Pardue; and several nieces and nephews.
Mary Sue will be remembered for her unwavering strength, compassion, and the love she generously shared. Her legacy is one of warmth and caring that will continue to resonate within the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation will be held on June 17, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Cutshall Funeral Home – Glen, located at 56 U.S. Highway 72, Glen, MS 38846. Funeral services will follow on June 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the same location, officiated by Bro. Bobby Elliott and Bro. Ron Norvell. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Collin Mills, Mack Wilemon, Robbie Wright, Tony Hardwick, Steven Wright, Brian Hudson, Brady Hudson, Roger Wright, and Kevin Roberts. Honorary pallbearers will be John Charles Maxwell, Leroy Calton, Randall Wright, Jerry Gray, Adam Norvell, Scotty Brown, and Robbie Pruitt.
Mary Sue Wright’s gentle spirit and loving presence will be dearly missed. May she rest in eternal peace.
Sammie Higginbottom
BELMONT, Miss – Sammie Kaye Higginbottom, 64, of Belmont, MS, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025. Born on November 23, 1960, in Kenosha, WI.
Sammie lived a life rooted in family and filled with laughter.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Tony Morphis; two daughters, Ashley Britton (Ryan Britton) and Ja’Ree Taylor Cox (Jusin Cox); her sister, Shelia Gentry (Jackie Gentry). Sammie was a devoted grandmother to Kaleb Higginbottom (Chasity Higginbottom), Kensley Higginbottom, Karvin Higginbottom, Kaydence Cox and Dawson Britton. She also leaves behind one great grandchild, Ava Kay Higginbottom.
Sammie was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Higginbottom and Girley Wood Higginbottom; her brothers, Ray Higginbottom and David Higginbottom; her sisters, Donnia Salter and Betty Reeves; her mother-in-law, Louise Morphis.
Known for her vibrant spirit and infectious sense of humor, Sammie had a special gift for making people laugh. She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and found joy in the companionship of her beloved pets.
Pallbearers honoring Sammie’s memory are Justin Cox, Kaleb Higginbottom, Ryan Britton, Karvin Higginbottom, Jackie Gentry and Cody Cook. Honorary pallbearers are Ja’Ree Taylor Cox and Ashley Britton.
May Sammie’s memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. Visitation will be held at Ludlam Funeral Home beginning at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Funeral service will be held at Ludlam Funeral Home Chapel, Thursday, June 19, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Tony Darracott officiating. Interment will be in Belmont City Cemetery, Belmont, MS.
Ludlam Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Sammie Kaye Higginbottom. Condolences may be left online to the family at http://www.ludlamfuneralhome.com
Stanley Ray Cummings
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stanley Ray Cummings, a cherished father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, and pillar of strength to all who knew him. Stanley passed away on June 7, 2025, having been born on September 14, 1962.
Stanley grew up in Iuka, Mississippi, surrounded by the love of family and lifelong friends. He carried that sense of connection and community with him throughout his life. Later, he relocated to West Tennessee to be near his daughter and her family, all while continuing his work as the master carpenter he will forever be known as. His craftsmanship, dedication, and love for building were unmatched—his hands and heart left lasting marks on every project he touched.
Stanley will be remembered as a witty, loving, and kind soul who could find light in even the darkest of days. His warmth, humor, and generous spirit brightened the lives of those around him, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his children, Amy King and Corey Cummings, and their spouses, Josh King and Kate Cummings. His legacy lives on through his beloved grandchildren—Kinsley Inman, Bryce Jones, Weston King, Joseph Cummings, and Abigail Cummings—and his great-granddaughter, Phoebe Jones. He especially cherished the time he spent sharing his love of gold hunting, history documentaries, westerns, eating sweets and chicken strips, drinking Yoohoos and a cold Sonic Diet Cokes with them. His faithful fur baby, Chloe, was always by his side, bringing joy and laughter to his days—memories his grandchildren will carry forever.
Stanley was predeceased by his mother, Mary A. Cummings, and his great-granddaughter, Willow Jones. He is also survived by his father, James Ray Cummings; and sisters Sheryl (James) Blakney, Patricia Floyd, Jean Atkins, and Vanessa (Mike) Beard. Along with many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and a list of cousins.
All who knew Stanley will remember him for his love of family, his generous heart, and his caring spirit.
Above all, Stanley believed that family and friendship were the cornerstones of a meaningful life, a belief that continues to guide and inspire those he leaves behind.
We invite all family and friends to join us in honoring Stanley’s life at a graveside service to be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 6:00 pm at Mount Gilead Old Hebron Cemetery in Iuka, Mississippi.
A sweet lover of life, a master of his craft, and a man whose legacy will be measured by love, Stanley Cummings will never be forgotten. His memory lives on in the hearts and stories of those he touched—and in the lessons of love, resilience, and kindness he leaves behind.
Jimmy T. Dees
IUKA, Miss – Jimmy T. Dees, 80, of Iuka, Mississippi, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at his home surrounded by loved ones.
Jimmy was born on August 26, 1944, in Margerum, AL, to Stella and Noah Dees.
Jimmy proudly served in the United States Army from 1961 until 1968 in Alaska. After serving and moving to Mississippi, he became a manager at Eastport Marina and happily worked for 35 years before retiring. He loved his job, but when he wasn’t working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and building furniture. He was a talented handyman and could fix anything that could be fixed. Jimmy had a heart of gold and was always willing and ready to help anybody. Above all, though, he loved his family and his wife’s family, whom he had always considered his own.
Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife, Sue C. Dees; his sister, Teresa Jane Alred; his brother, Michael Noah Dees; and a host of other loved family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Cheryl Grisham; his parents, Stella Hearn and Noah Chester Dees; and his sister, Linda Caroline Borden.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jimmy’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Mrs. Betty J. Mckee
Mrs. Betty J. Mckee of Iuka, MS, passed away the morning of Sunday, June 15th, 2025, in Fort Worth, TX, after a long and debilitating fight with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born February 25th, 1941, to William Herman and Francis Pauline Gray. She is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, William Whit Mckee. Their 66th anniversary would have been July 17th. She is survived by a son, Roger Mckee (Donna); two grandchildren, Billy Brooks (Jennifer) and Lorrie Baker (Alex); five great-grandchildren, Mckenzi Brooks, Zada Brooks, Bo Brooks, Ellie Baker, and Indie Baker; a brother, James H. Gray (Lena); and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Betty and her husband resided in Georgia for 24 years and in her later days reminisced often of their many friends there and the good times they shared. In accordance with her written wishes, there was no funeral service. A private burial was held at Rutledge Salem Cemetery. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS, is entrusted with arrangements. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Charlotte Ann Daniel
Charlotte Ann Daniel, age 87, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2025. She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. She is survived by her son, Billy Daniel; stepson, Jackie Daniel; step-grandson, Kenley Patterson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Daniel, parents, Jack Fox and Lynne Margret Wilburn. Graveside Service will be held at New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pallbearers include William “Peanut” Aldrige, David “Hopper” Aldridge, Jamie Enlow, Shane Wiggington, Josh McQuery, L.E. Williams, Lloyd Williams Jr., John Paul Whitlock, and Frank Aldridge. Ludlam Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Charlotte Ann Daniel. You may leave your condolences online to the family at http://www.ludlamfuneralhome.com
Paul Kenneth Booker
Paul Kenneth Booker, age 97, resident at Hospitality House- Iuka, Mississippi, formerly of Lakeland, TN, died Tuesday, June 17, 2025. He retired as a chemical operator from PSC and was a member of Kirby Woods Baptist Church – Memphis. He also worked many years as a volunteer for Baptist Hospital East in Memphis. Survivors include his sons, Terry Booker (Joyce) of Cairo, MS, and Tim Booker (Christina) of Oakland, TN; his daughter, Sandy Booker Perry (Kim) of McKinney, TX; his brother, Herbert Doyle Booker of Iuka; his sister, Maudie Short of Walnut; his brothers-in-law, Wayne Prince of Cairo and Frank Barton of Germantown, TN; his sisters-in-law, Novaline Booker and Judy Booker of Texas; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Louise Prince Booker; his son, Toney Booker; his parents, Lee and Lucille Booker; his brother, Roy Booker; and his sister, Emogene Barton. Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at New Lebanon Freewill Baptist Church. Funeral services to follow visitation. Church address is 1195 Highway 364 Tishomingo, MS 38873. Memorials may be made in Kenneth’s honor to New Lebanon’s Cemetery Fund, The Gideon’s International, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Virgil Olane Rhodes
BURNSVILLE, Miss – Virgil Olane Rhodes, 81, of Burnsville, Mississippi, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in his home.
Virgil had a very accomplished 16-year career in the United States Army, during which time he became an E6 Sergeant, served in Korea and Vietnam, and earned a Master’s in Mechanics. After being discharged, he took on many roles, such as working with TVA at Yellow Creek and Bellefonte, trucking with Mayflower and Shelton Trucking, being self-employed using a backhoe and dozer with Johnny Gillmore, and running a rural route with the Post Office in Tupelo until retirement.
Virgil’s dedication to serving was not limited to his time in the military, as he was also very active in his community. He was a very avid supporter of Tishomingo County Schools and their sports. From 1981 until 1991, he was president of the Booster Club and also spent time on the school board, being instrumental to the consolidation of the schools.
He was a devoted member of Rowland Mills Missionary Baptist Church, where he took over the position of treasurer after his wife, Eula Mae. He was known for his kindness and love for children, always keeping a dollar on hand to give any kids he came across.
In his free time, Virgil enjoyed fishing, bowling, gospel singing, RV camping to state parks, and watching high school sports. He loved food and would often sneak snacks behind his wife’s back while on his mail route. Virgil loved his family. Every moment spent with them was held close to his heart, and his grandson, Grayson, could light up his mood just by walking through the door.
Virgil is survived by his sons, Tim Rhodes (Emma) and Jamie Rhodes (Jill); his grandchildren, Brittany Thomas (Mason), Nathan Barnes, and Grayson Rhodes; his great-grandchild, Scarlett Thomas; his siblings, Betty Childs of Etta, MS, Jo Moore of Versailles, IN, Faye Clowers (Dean) of Lake Wales, FL, and Vera Jones (Rick) of Knoxville, TN; his brother-in-law, Tom Herron of Osgood, IN; his nieces and nephews, Sam, Rita, Robert, Rhonda, Tisha, Raymond, Johnny, Nathaniel, Lainie, William, Tammy, Patty, Sandra, Joey, Melissa, Natalie, and Eric; and a host of other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Eula Mae Rhodes; his mother, Violet F. Tallman; his father, Sam Virgil Rhodes; his siblings, Marilyn Hancock Huntington and Carolyn Herron; and his niece, Paula Dean Hancock.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Rowland Mills Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Bro. Franky Smith. Interment will be in Rowland Mills Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Grayson Rhodes, Mike Nash, Alan Nash, Robert Childs, Bubba Lowery, and William Clowers. Honorary pallbearers include Tim Nash, Gerald Glidewell, Stanley Magill, Lamar Skinner, Mikey Shea, Mack Lowery, and Sid Whitehurst, Sr.
Memorials may be made in Virgil’s honor to the Rowland Mills Cemetery Fund. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.