Roy Crampton, a resident of Madison, died December 28, 2010 at St. Dominic Memorial Hospital in Jackson.
He was born in Meridian, MS on September 3, 1940. He was the son of the Roy Ellis Crampton, Jr. and Bessie Mae Martin Crampton. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Charles Raymond Crampton, his brother-in law, Orrin McRee Battle and his niece, Allyson Still Gunnell.
Roy had a 37 year career with BellSouth and had postings in Tupelo, Birmingham and Jackson. He retired in 2007.
He is survived by his former wife, Laney Crampton, his sister-in-law, Janet Gunnell and husband, William, of Summit, MS, his sister-in law, Susan Battle of Summit, MS, his brother-in-law, John Cadwallader of Baton Rouge, LA, his brother-in-law, the Reverend Douglas Cadwallader of Houston, TX, his aunt, Henrietta Jones of Meridian and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private memorial service will be held Monday, January 3, 2011 with burial to follow in the Semmes family cemetery in Meridian.
_____________________________________
O God our Father, Creator of all the living,
we entrust to Your gentle
care
all those we love who have gone before us;
and have gone to their
rest in the hope of rising again.
Eternal rest, grant unto Roy, O
Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of the
faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
In Celebration of MHS Class of 1958
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
We were the class of 1958, members of the Greatest Generation!
We were the class of 1958, members of the Greatest Generation as well as children of the Greatest Generation. Born in 1940, we are also called members of the Traditional Generation.
Our childhood, post World War II, "was the best of times . . . it was the age of wisdom . . . it was the epoch of belief . . .it was the season of Light . . . it was the spring of hope . . . we had everything before us . . .we were all going direct to Heaven . . . ." (A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens.) At least, that's the way I felt about it. We were truly blessed.
Perhaps the major failure of the Greatest or Traditional Generation was the failure to instill in our children those values and traditions that our parents gave us. I read recently that generations run in cycles, and after about 70 years it all starts over. So as we celebrate our 70th year in 2010, let us pray especially for the babies in our families. May they return to the foundations upon which this country was founded and to lives centered on religious faith, family and absolute truths.
- Ouida Tomlinson -
Our childhood, post World War II, "was the best of times . . . it was the age of wisdom . . . it was the epoch of belief . . .it was the season of Light . . . it was the spring of hope . . . we had everything before us . . .we were all going direct to Heaven . . . ." (A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens.) At least, that's the way I felt about it. We were truly blessed.
Perhaps the major failure of the Greatest or Traditional Generation was the failure to instill in our children those values and traditions that our parents gave us. I read recently that generations run in cycles, and after about 70 years it all starts over. So as we celebrate our 70th year in 2010, let us pray especially for the babies in our families. May they return to the foundations upon which this country was founded and to lives centered on religious faith, family and absolute truths.
- Ouida Tomlinson -
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Remembering Jeanette
(Jeanette Ferguson Noe danced to Steam Heat on the Ted Mack Amatur House during our high school days. See also this dance routine from "The Pajama Game": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAKQauAfcZU)
Monday, November 1, 2010
PROGRESSION WITH FALL LEAVES
Here is my sculpture "Progression" under a maple tree in my yard.
"Progression" is composed of 9 bent brushed aluminum tubes.
Love those fall leaves!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Reunion - MHS Classes of '55 & '56 - We Are Invited
The MHS Classes of '55 and '56 are having a joint class reunion on Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2, 2011 in Meridian. It's open to anyone from any class year at MHS. The schedule of events will be coming out soon.
The location of the reunion activities will be the new Holiday Inn. The new Holiday Inn has been constructed about where the old Nelva Restaurant used to be located on the north frontage road of I-20 & 59. Reservations are now available. Be certain you tell them you are with the MHS reunion to get a better rate.
There are other very nice hotels in the immediate vicinity of the Holiday Inn in the event it's booked when you try to get reservations. The Hampton Inn and the new Hilton Garden Inn are both about a city block to the north of the new Holiday Inn.
The location of the reunion activities will be the new Holiday Inn. The new Holiday Inn has been constructed about where the old Nelva Restaurant used to be located on the north frontage road of I-20 & 59. Reservations are now available. Be certain you tell them you are with the MHS reunion to get a better rate.
There are other very nice hotels in the immediate vicinity of the Holiday Inn in the event it's booked when you try to get reservations. The Hampton Inn and the new Hilton Garden Inn are both about a city block to the north of the new Holiday Inn.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
DO YOU REMEMBER THESE?
Burma Shave with the Statler Brothers...., turn up sound.
You may need to watch it twice; once to watch the
Burma shave signs change and once to catch all the pictures
plus listening to the music of the Statler Brothers. THIS
IS REALLY GREAT.
Most folks under 50 would have no idea what we are talking about..
'Too bad they missed it!'
CLICK : Http://oldfortyfives.com/DYRT.htm
You may need to watch it twice; once to watch the
Burma shave signs change and once to catch all the pictures
plus listening to the music of the Statler Brothers. THIS
IS REALLY GREAT.
Most folks under 50 would have no idea what we are talking about..
'Too bad they missed it!'
CLICK : Http://oldfortyfives.com/DYRT.htm
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Thomas E. Crawford Sr.
The Meridian Star
PENSACOLA, Fla. — Thomas Eugene "Jack" Crawford Sr., 70, of Pensacola, Fla., went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, surrounded by his family. Mr. Crawford was a native of Meridian but has been a resident of Pensacola for the past 26 years. He was a member of Nativity Catholic Church. He was also a member of The Knights of Columbus and The United States Submarine Veterans Association. He was a retired submariner with U.S. Navy with 26 years of service. He was retired from NAS-Pensacola as a civilian employee with 15 years of service.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Grace Crawford; daughter and son-in-law: Felicia and Jeff Smith; two sons and daughters-in-law: James and Marie Crawford and Thomas Jr. "Tommy" and Michelle Crawford; three grandchildren: Hannah, Abbey and Alaina; two brothers: Frankie and Carolyn and Wayne and Diane Crawford; three sisters: Sarah Curry, Dot and Bob Rawls and Laverne and Raymond Culpepper; and, numerous nieces, nephews, others relatives and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Ernest "Buddy" Crawford.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, at 10 a.m., at Nativity Catholic Church with Monsignor Michael Mooney as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is in charge of arrangements.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home today, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Condolences may be placed online at www.fcfhs.com.
___________________________________
Eugene Crawford in our 1958 annual. From our 50th reunion booklet:
CRAWFORD, THOMAS EUGENE, 7905 Charter Oaks Dr., Pensacola, FL 32514
Grace and I married 9 June 1962. We celebrated our 46th anniversary this past June. We have three kids (two boys and a girl) all grown and living very good lives. We have three grandchildren; one by each child. We retired from the U.S. Navy in December 1983 after 26 years. I then worked at the Pensacola Naval Air Station for 18 years before I had to retire due to health reasons. I am sorry that we will not be able to attend the reunion due to a medical problem that hit me approximately three years ago. The doctor does not want me traveling. We sure hope the best for everyone.
____________________________________
O God our Father,
Creator of all the living, we entrust to Your gentle care all those we love who have gone before us; and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Eternal rest, grant unto Jack, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
PENSACOLA, Fla. — Thomas Eugene "Jack" Crawford Sr., 70, of Pensacola, Fla., went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, surrounded by his family. Mr. Crawford was a native of Meridian but has been a resident of Pensacola for the past 26 years. He was a member of Nativity Catholic Church. He was also a member of The Knights of Columbus and The United States Submarine Veterans Association. He was a retired submariner with U.S. Navy with 26 years of service. He was retired from NAS-Pensacola as a civilian employee with 15 years of service.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Grace Crawford; daughter and son-in-law: Felicia and Jeff Smith; two sons and daughters-in-law: James and Marie Crawford and Thomas Jr. "Tommy" and Michelle Crawford; three grandchildren: Hannah, Abbey and Alaina; two brothers: Frankie and Carolyn and Wayne and Diane Crawford; three sisters: Sarah Curry, Dot and Bob Rawls and Laverne and Raymond Culpepper; and, numerous nieces, nephews, others relatives and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Ernest "Buddy" Crawford.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, at 10 a.m., at Nativity Catholic Church with Monsignor Michael Mooney as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is in charge of arrangements.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home today, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Condolences may be placed online at www.fcfhs.com.
___________________________________
Eugene Crawford in our 1958 annual. From our 50th reunion booklet:
CRAWFORD, THOMAS EUGENE, 7905 Charter Oaks Dr., Pensacola, FL 32514
Grace and I married 9 June 1962. We celebrated our 46th anniversary this past June. We have three kids (two boys and a girl) all grown and living very good lives. We have three grandchildren; one by each child. We retired from the U.S. Navy in December 1983 after 26 years. I then worked at the Pensacola Naval Air Station for 18 years before I had to retire due to health reasons. I am sorry that we will not be able to attend the reunion due to a medical problem that hit me approximately three years ago. The doctor does not want me traveling. We sure hope the best for everyone.
____________________________________
O God our Father,
Creator of all the living, we entrust to Your gentle care all those we love who have gone before us; and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Eternal rest, grant unto Jack, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The Scoop - John Lennon: Imagine him at 70
CLICK ON "The Scoop" below:
The Scoop - John Lennon: Imagine him at 70: "John Lennon: Imagine him at 70 London Media
John Lennon pictured in 1972, left, and an artist's interpretation of how the singer would look today.Google is using its logo to display Yoko Ono's sketch of John Lennon, and on the occasion of the ex-Beatle's 70th birthday, a mock-up photo of Lennon as he would look today was created by a digital artist. The photo is digitally aged, and assumes that Lennon would opt for a shorter haircut ... and the same old round-frame glasses."
The Scoop - John Lennon: Imagine him at 70: "John Lennon: Imagine him at 70 London Media
John Lennon pictured in 1972, left, and an artist's interpretation of how the singer would look today.Google is using its logo to display Yoko Ono's sketch of John Lennon, and on the occasion of the ex-Beatle's 70th birthday, a mock-up photo of Lennon as he would look today was created by a digital artist. The photo is digitally aged, and assumes that Lennon would opt for a shorter haircut ... and the same old round-frame glasses."
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
You're Missing
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Forever Mom
For all of you who are interested, I not only write funny stories, but I was blessed with the ability to RHYME! Because of my four foot surgeries, I can no longer dance or jump rope, so I put together a poem about my life.
I call this "FOREVER MOM"
There was a very special little girl,
The apple of everyone's eye.
She loved to run and skip and play,
And swing so high in the sky.
This little girl wanted to be
Older and grown up some day,
So all of her dreams would be real,
Instead of just fun and play.
She wanted to be a school teacher,
And help children learn wrong from right,
Learn to live in harmony,
To be peaceful and not fight.
She dreamed of being a good doctor,
Healing the sick and the sore,
And finding a cure for cancer,
Helping the rich and the poor.
She wanted to be a famous writer,
Have her thoughts in black and white,
For all to read and analyze,
To her, this would be a delight.
She wanted to be an artist.
Beautiful pictures from her mind's eye,
Would be put on canvas and framed,
And placed in stores for people to buy.
Teacher, writer, painter,
Or even doctor or nurse,
These were all occupations
That would give her a very fat purse.
But then she met her sweetheart,
And her plans got turned around.
He brought her joy and happiness,
And her heart was truly bound.
He wanted her to be his wife,
And give him babies to enjoy.
And if it could be in God's plan,
They could have a girl and a boy.
She gave up her plans to be famous,
And became wife and mother and more.
For her life was now so busy,
And certainly not a bore.
First she had a little girl,
The apple of everyone's eye.
She loved to rock and sing lullibies,
Play dolly, make cookies and mud pie.
Then another little girl was born,
A real beauty with long dark hair.
She was a "new dolly" for her sister.
They were a very special pair.
Two years later a son was born.
This was definitely God's plan,
To carry on his daddy's name
When he became a man.
Then life's worst enemy came calling,
One dark June night.
And took her dear husband
Forever out of her sight.
His love was gone, but hers remained,
In a pocket of her heart.
Instead of being for one great man,
Her love was now in three parts.
Life was so hard for the lady,
Who had now grown so forlorn,
Until another nice man appeared to her
Early one November morn.
"I want to help you be happy.
I know you'll love me....You'll see.
I'll always love you, dear lady.
Please, will you marry me?"
The lady was so alone and sad.
Her heart was playing games.
Was this feeling she had real love,
Or would she just be filled with blame?
Again, she didn't know what to do,
Or what would be best for all.
She needed his strength and companionship,
So she agreed for him to call.
Again, the lady got married.
He promised to make her life good.
And soon she realized that she loved him,
Just like he said she would.
Another son was born to her,
A very special child.
He brought them love and happiness,
And made her life worthwhile.
Her eyes were finally opened,
As she saw the joy she had.
The years she had felt so helpless,
Now almost made her mad.
How blessed she was to have had so much,
Not in fame or fortune you see,
But to have so much love from her family,
Was better than fame could be.
Now her children are all grown,
And gone from her happy nest.
So it must be in God's plan
For the lady now to rest.
Today, she looks a lot older,
And the wrinkles are beginning to show.
But she is proud of her little clan.
Just talk to her and you'll know.
In God's plan, life's road continues,
And the lady's work is not done.
Her children have given her grandchildren to teach,
Oh my goodness, what fun!
There is nothing sweeter in this world,
Than the love of a grandchild so true.
To hold their little hand in yours,
And be told, "Nany, I want to be like you."
I call this "FOREVER MOM"
There was a very special little girl,
The apple of everyone's eye.
She loved to run and skip and play,
And swing so high in the sky.
This little girl wanted to be
Older and grown up some day,
So all of her dreams would be real,
Instead of just fun and play.
She wanted to be a school teacher,
And help children learn wrong from right,
Learn to live in harmony,
To be peaceful and not fight.
She dreamed of being a good doctor,
Healing the sick and the sore,
And finding a cure for cancer,
Helping the rich and the poor.
She wanted to be a famous writer,
Have her thoughts in black and white,
For all to read and analyze,
To her, this would be a delight.
She wanted to be an artist.
Beautiful pictures from her mind's eye,
Would be put on canvas and framed,
And placed in stores for people to buy.
Teacher, writer, painter,
Or even doctor or nurse,
These were all occupations
That would give her a very fat purse.
But then she met her sweetheart,
And her plans got turned around.
He brought her joy and happiness,
And her heart was truly bound.
He wanted her to be his wife,
And give him babies to enjoy.
And if it could be in God's plan,
They could have a girl and a boy.
She gave up her plans to be famous,
And became wife and mother and more.
For her life was now so busy,
And certainly not a bore.
First she had a little girl,
The apple of everyone's eye.
She loved to rock and sing lullibies,
Play dolly, make cookies and mud pie.
Then another little girl was born,
A real beauty with long dark hair.
She was a "new dolly" for her sister.
They were a very special pair.
Two years later a son was born.
This was definitely God's plan,
To carry on his daddy's name
When he became a man.
Then life's worst enemy came calling,
One dark June night.
And took her dear husband
Forever out of her sight.
His love was gone, but hers remained,
In a pocket of her heart.
Instead of being for one great man,
Her love was now in three parts.
Life was so hard for the lady,
Who had now grown so forlorn,
Until another nice man appeared to her
Early one November morn.
"I want to help you be happy.
I know you'll love me....You'll see.
I'll always love you, dear lady.
Please, will you marry me?"
The lady was so alone and sad.
Her heart was playing games.
Was this feeling she had real love,
Or would she just be filled with blame?
Again, she didn't know what to do,
Or what would be best for all.
She needed his strength and companionship,
So she agreed for him to call.
Again, the lady got married.
He promised to make her life good.
And soon she realized that she loved him,
Just like he said she would.
Another son was born to her,
A very special child.
He brought them love and happiness,
And made her life worthwhile.
Her eyes were finally opened,
As she saw the joy she had.
The years she had felt so helpless,
Now almost made her mad.
How blessed she was to have had so much,
Not in fame or fortune you see,
But to have so much love from her family,
Was better than fame could be.
Now her children are all grown,
And gone from her happy nest.
So it must be in God's plan
For the lady now to rest.
Today, she looks a lot older,
And the wrinkles are beginning to show.
But she is proud of her little clan.
Just talk to her and you'll know.
In God's plan, life's road continues,
And the lady's work is not done.
Her children have given her grandchildren to teach,
Oh my goodness, what fun!
There is nothing sweeter in this world,
Than the love of a grandchild so true.
To hold their little hand in yours,
And be told, "Nany, I want to be like you."
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Seeing the Suffering of Puppy Mills Firsthand
Seeing the Suffering of Puppy Mills Firsthand
This article describes the Mississippi puppy raid as seen in the video in previous post which is the blog for my dogs and fosters. These conditions and puppy mills are found everywhere, not just Mississippi. Mississippi needs laws which would make animal cruelty a felony, not just a slap on the wrist with a fine.
This article describes the Mississippi puppy raid as seen in the video in previous post which is the blog for my dogs and fosters. These conditions and puppy mills are found everywhere, not just Mississippi. Mississippi needs laws which would make animal cruelty a felony, not just a slap on the wrist with a fine.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
70 Year Old Jockey Wins Race
Don't discount us 70-year-olds. We are winners.
Get out of your rocking chair and shake, rattle and roll!
I told my Mama once, when she was in her 80's,
that if she wanted to stay out of a nursing home,
then keep moving - keep walking - keep exercising.
That's what she did up into her 90's.
She was in good health until the end.
At 65 she went skiing with me.
This was about the time she went white water rafting.
At 70 she was square dancing at the World's Fair in New Orleans.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
DAUPHIN ISLAND
We (daughter and grandson and I) are staying at Dauphin Island for a week. I love the non-commercialism and "back-to-nature" atmosphere here. We see no oil, and with the tourists staying away in droves and as you can see by the photo, we have the beach to ourselves, except for the crabs, sea turtles (laying season), and schools of large silver fish that are easy to spot in the clear water. We step on flounders as we wade - oops, and discover hermit crabs with our toes - ouch!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
New Building and Changes to Meridian High School
The picture in the left foreground is the new 9th grade buidling that has been built on the original Meridian High School campus. The picture is taken from a parking area along 23rd avenue.
The MHS 10th grade was moved from Kate Griffin to MHS some years ago. The 8th and 7th grades were also moved to new middle schools throughout the city some years ago. In moving the 9th grade students to MHS, Kate Griffin will be closed as a public school, but will reopen in time to serve a different purpose yet to be decided.
The tennis courts on Poplar Springs Drive (sadly, for those of us on the tennis team in '58) have been removed and the area is simply vacant and grassy at this point. Our shade tree and water fountain were also removed. New tennis courts have been built south of the old baseball and football practice field on 24th avenue.
Lots of changes, but all looks to be painted and kept up well, so we can continue to be proud of the school.
CATS Varsity Football Schedule - 2010
Football Season is right around the corner. Meridian High opens the 2010 campaign with a home game against cross-county rival West Lauderdale on August 20, just 13 days away. The remainder of the schedule is below.
Date Opponent Place Time
August 20 West Lauderdale @Home 7:00pm
August 27 Wayne County Away 7:00pm
September 3 Starkville @Home 7:00pm
September 10 Quitman Away 7:00pm
September 24 Natchez* @Home 7:00pm
October 1 Hattiesburg* Away 7:00pm
October 8 Oak Grove* @Home 7:00pm
October 15 Brandon* Away 7:00pm
October 22 Wingfield* @Home 7:00pm
October 29 Jim Hill* @Home 7:00pm
November 5 Terry* Away 7:00pm
* Denotes 6A Region 3 Contest
Date Opponent Place Time
August 20 West Lauderdale @Home 7:00pm
August 27 Wayne County Away 7:00pm
September 3 Starkville @Home 7:00pm
September 10 Quitman Away 7:00pm
September 24 Natchez* @Home 7:00pm
October 1 Hattiesburg* Away 7:00pm
October 8 Oak Grove* @Home 7:00pm
October 15 Brandon* Away 7:00pm
October 22 Wingfield* @Home 7:00pm
October 29 Jim Hill* @Home 7:00pm
November 5 Terry* Away 7:00pm
* Denotes 6A Region 3 Contest
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
MILLIE MAJORS JONES, RECOGNITION DAY
Here is Millie with Bettye Kimbrell on L and Pattie Robinson on R, at a recent Recognition Day at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, where Millie has been a member since she was 15. They have all taught Sunday School (first grade) for 20 years! Congratulations, Millie!
Millie has had to retire from teaching in order to care for her husband George, who has Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
My Dream Come True
He came for an overnight visit recently.
The doctor has prescribed
bedrest for me. LOL.
Ouida
Visiting his Mom's 1st grade class.
He's available to give you lessons.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
James T. “Jim” Hurley Jr., Obituary
A memorial service will be held July 24, 2010 at 2 p.m. in the Hathorn Funeral Home Chapel for Mr. James T. "Jim" Hurley Jr., 69, of Sumrall, who died July 16 at his residence. The Rev. Sammy W. Ellis will officiate at the service. Mr. Hurley’s ashes will be interred at a later date. Visitation will be held July 24, 2010 from noon until the time of the service at the funeral home.
A native of Meridian, Mr. Hurley was born July 27, 1940 to the late James T. Sr. and Sara Louise Jordan Hurley. He retired as a terminal manager for the Chevron Petroleum Co. after 38 years working his last years at the Collins terminal. A member of the Methodist faith, he honorably served our country in the U.S. Air National Guard, loved bird watching, camping, fishing and his beloved dog Gracie.
Survivors include his loving wife, Zelma Bayles Hurley of Sumrall; son, Brent Hurley of Clinton; two daughters, Jennifer Burcaw and husband Les Jr. of Petal and Holley Broome Patterson and husband John of Florence; one sister, Nancy Tillman of Wichita Falls, Texas; two grandchildren; two nephews; and a special niece, Kim Walker and husband, Kevin, of Florence. Honorary pallbearers include Douglas Polk, Ron Bayles, Kevin Walker, John Patterson, Brandon Broome, Michael Broome, Kermit Broome, Ralph Moon, Jamie Johnson, Bill Fadaol and Charlie Mills.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Hathorn Funeral Home of Columbia is in charge of arrangements.
____________________________________
O God our Father, Creator of all the living,
we entrust to Your gentle care
all those we love who have gone before us;
and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again. . . .
Eternal rest, grant unto Jim, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
A native of Meridian, Mr. Hurley was born July 27, 1940 to the late James T. Sr. and Sara Louise Jordan Hurley. He retired as a terminal manager for the Chevron Petroleum Co. after 38 years working his last years at the Collins terminal. A member of the Methodist faith, he honorably served our country in the U.S. Air National Guard, loved bird watching, camping, fishing and his beloved dog Gracie.
Survivors include his loving wife, Zelma Bayles Hurley of Sumrall; son, Brent Hurley of Clinton; two daughters, Jennifer Burcaw and husband Les Jr. of Petal and Holley Broome Patterson and husband John of Florence; one sister, Nancy Tillman of Wichita Falls, Texas; two grandchildren; two nephews; and a special niece, Kim Walker and husband, Kevin, of Florence. Honorary pallbearers include Douglas Polk, Ron Bayles, Kevin Walker, John Patterson, Brandon Broome, Michael Broome, Kermit Broome, Ralph Moon, Jamie Johnson, Bill Fadaol and Charlie Mills.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Hathorn Funeral Home of Columbia is in charge of arrangements.
____________________________________
O God our Father, Creator of all the living,
we entrust to Your gentle care
all those we love who have gone before us;
and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again. . . .
Eternal rest, grant unto Jim, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
2010 Mississippi Lions All State Band
The 2010 Mississippi Lions All State Band during practice in Ellisville, Mississippi in recent weeks. They won first place in international competition this past week in Australia.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
A Father's Day Prayer
Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a good father.
Let us praise those fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children.
Let us praise those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children's lives. Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing.
Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their step children's love and respect. Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart.
Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own.
Let us praise those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors and guides.
Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children.
And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.
(Kirk Loadman)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Oil Spill Petitions
(Click for more pictures.)Nature reveals God’s power, and history reveals God’s providence; in this historical crisis of the Gulf oil spill may God provide us the power to halt destruction and reform the way we live.
May those whose livelihoods have been destroyed by the oil spill find dignified ways to provide for their families.
For those with power in business and government: may they humbly place their power at the service of the common good.
That all who feel powerless may experience through the compassion of others that the Lord hears the cry of the poor and is close to the broken-hearted.
For the health and safety of those directly involved in oil spill recovery efforts: may God grant them success.
May those aware of negligence or injustice in the management of natural resources have the courage to proclaim the truth, and may we all accept responsible for our use of petroleum.
For those who struggle with addiction, including our nation’s addiction to lifestyles dependent on oil; in discovering new ways of living that care for creation, may we know the freedom of the children of God.
Source: Franciscan Action Network
May those whose livelihoods have been destroyed by the oil spill find dignified ways to provide for their families.
For those with power in business and government: may they humbly place their power at the service of the common good.
That all who feel powerless may experience through the compassion of others that the Lord hears the cry of the poor and is close to the broken-hearted.
For the health and safety of those directly involved in oil spill recovery efforts: may God grant them success.
May those aware of negligence or injustice in the management of natural resources have the courage to proclaim the truth, and may we all accept responsible for our use of petroleum.
For those who struggle with addiction, including our nation’s addiction to lifestyles dependent on oil; in discovering new ways of living that care for creation, may we know the freedom of the children of God.
Source: Franciscan Action Network
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Class Reunion
Every five years, as summertime nears,
An announcement arrives in the mail,
A reunion is planned; it'll be really grand;
Make plans to attend without fail.
I'll never forget the first time we met;
We tried so hard to impress.
We drove fancy cars, smoked big cigars,
And wore our most elegant dress.
It was quite an affair; the whole class was there.
It was held at a fancy hotel.
We wined, and we dined, and we acted refined,
And everyone thought it was swell.
The men all conversed about who had been first
To achieve great fortune and fame.
Meanwhile, their spouses described their fine houses
And how beautiful their children became.
The homecoming queen, who once had been lean,
Now weighed in at one-ninety-six.
The jocks who were there had all lost their hair,
And the cheerleaders could no longer do kicks.
No one had heard about the class nerd
Who'd guided a spacecraft to the moon;
Or poor little Jane, who's always been plain;
She married a shipping tycoon.
The boy we'd decreed 'most apt to succeed'
Was serving ten years in the pen,
While the one voted 'least' now was a priest;
Just shows you can be wrong now and then.
They awarded a prize to one of the guys
Who seemed to have aged the least..
Another was given to the grad who had driven
The farthest to attend the feast.
They took a class picture, a curious mixture
Of beehives, crew cuts and wide ties.
Tall, short, or skinny, the style was the mini;
You never saw so many thighs.
At our next get-together, no one cared whether
They impressed their classmates or not.
The mood was informal, a whole lot more normal;
By this time we'd all gone to pot.
It was held out-of-doors, at the lake shores;
We ate hamburgers, coleslaw, and beans.
Then most of us lay around in the shade,
In our comfortable T-shirts and jeans.
By the fiftieth year, it was abundantly clear,
We were definitely over the hill.
Those who weren't dead had to crawl out of bed,
And be home in time for their pill.
And now I can't wait; they've set the date;
Our sixtieth is coming, I'm told.
It should be a ball, they've rented a hall
At the Shady Rest Home for the old.
Repairs have been made on my hearing aid;
My pacemaker's been turned up on high.
My wheelchair is oiled, and my teeth have been boiled;
And I've bought a new wig and glass eye.
I'm feeling quite hearty, and I'm ready to party
I'm gonna dance 'til dawn's early light.
It'll be lots of fun; But I just hope that there's one
Other person who can make it that night.
Author Unknown
Life is Wonderful.
Don't forget it!----Praise The Lord, we've made it this far!!!!
An announcement arrives in the mail,
A reunion is planned; it'll be really grand;
Make plans to attend without fail.
I'll never forget the first time we met;
We tried so hard to impress.
We drove fancy cars, smoked big cigars,
And wore our most elegant dress.
It was quite an affair; the whole class was there.
It was held at a fancy hotel.
We wined, and we dined, and we acted refined,
And everyone thought it was swell.
The men all conversed about who had been first
To achieve great fortune and fame.
Meanwhile, their spouses described their fine houses
And how beautiful their children became.
The homecoming queen, who once had been lean,
Now weighed in at one-ninety-six.
The jocks who were there had all lost their hair,
And the cheerleaders could no longer do kicks.
No one had heard about the class nerd
Who'd guided a spacecraft to the moon;
Or poor little Jane, who's always been plain;
She married a shipping tycoon.
The boy we'd decreed 'most apt to succeed'
Was serving ten years in the pen,
While the one voted 'least' now was a priest;
Just shows you can be wrong now and then.
They awarded a prize to one of the guys
Who seemed to have aged the least..
Another was given to the grad who had driven
The farthest to attend the feast.
They took a class picture, a curious mixture
Of beehives, crew cuts and wide ties.
Tall, short, or skinny, the style was the mini;
You never saw so many thighs.
At our next get-together, no one cared whether
They impressed their classmates or not.
The mood was informal, a whole lot more normal;
By this time we'd all gone to pot.
It was held out-of-doors, at the lake shores;
We ate hamburgers, coleslaw, and beans.
Then most of us lay around in the shade,
In our comfortable T-shirts and jeans.
By the fiftieth year, it was abundantly clear,
We were definitely over the hill.
Those who weren't dead had to crawl out of bed,
And be home in time for their pill.
And now I can't wait; they've set the date;
Our sixtieth is coming, I'm told.
It should be a ball, they've rented a hall
At the Shady Rest Home for the old.
Repairs have been made on my hearing aid;
My pacemaker's been turned up on high.
My wheelchair is oiled, and my teeth have been boiled;
And I've bought a new wig and glass eye.
I'm feeling quite hearty, and I'm ready to party
I'm gonna dance 'til dawn's early light.
It'll be lots of fun; But I just hope that there's one
Other person who can make it that night.
Author Unknown
Life is Wonderful.
Don't forget it!----Praise The Lord, we've made it this far!!!!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
ATHLETIC AND ACADEMIC AWARDS AND TROPHIES
Athletic awards and trophies as well as intellectual/academic and service awards were presented to select students during an end of year assembly at Meridian High School. Some of the results were identified in a 5/23/58 Wildcat article. Some of the results were not. We had to hunt for them. One result that continues to elude us is Charles McCraney's award based on his evident trophy. If anyone can shake down Charles, please get back to us.
Left to Right:
James H. Skewes award to Oliver Buntin as most outstanding athlete
(Unidentified award) to Charles McCraney
Alex Loeb Trophy to Ralph Abraham
H. M. Ivy award to Sue Burkes and Virginia Deonier (14th grades)
Pilot Club award to Judy McKellar
Looking over the list, we may all have our memories of the tremendous athletic contributions that Oliver Buntin made to our school, not least of which was serving as catcher for our 1957 State Championship Baseball Team. Ralph Abraham served as president of our senior class, as well as member of the football and track teams. When asked about his award, however, Ralph was vague, unsure.... There is a clue in the picture for you, Ralph; that trophy might jog your memory. And finally, we have Judy McKellar, a wonderful friend to so many of us who significantly was editor of the school newspaper, The Wildcat, in 1957-58. We still miss you, Judy - every time we look back for a record, we are reminded.
Left to Right:
James H. Skewes award to Oliver Buntin as most outstanding athlete
(Unidentified award) to Charles McCraney
Alex Loeb Trophy to Ralph Abraham
H. M. Ivy award to Sue Burkes and Virginia Deonier (14th grades)
Pilot Club award to Judy McKellar
Looking over the list, we may all have our memories of the tremendous athletic contributions that Oliver Buntin made to our school, not least of which was serving as catcher for our 1957 State Championship Baseball Team. Ralph Abraham served as president of our senior class, as well as member of the football and track teams. When asked about his award, however, Ralph was vague, unsure.... There is a clue in the picture for you, Ralph; that trophy might jog your memory. And finally, we have Judy McKellar, a wonderful friend to so many of us who significantly was editor of the school newspaper, The Wildcat, in 1957-58. We still miss you, Judy - every time we look back for a record, we are reminded.
INDIVIDUAL INTELLECTUAL/ACADEMIC AWARDS
If the award line-up appears to you an auspicious grouping, there is very good reason.
Classmates from 1958 who received individual intellectual/academic awards are from left to right:
Back Row: Phyllis Beckman, Joan Garrett, Marjorie Barham, Philip George, James Askew, Joe Burnett, John (Spud) East, Mollye Sharp, Carol Chatham, and Gloria Varnado.
Front Row: Kathleen Bustin and Ella Kappes
The awards we have identified are:
The Modern Dance Award, also the Business Administration Award to Phyllis Beckman
The Mississippi Art Association Award to Marjorie Barham (First Place Art Award)
The Marks Rothenberg Co. Science Award to Philip George (also a National Merit Finalist)
The Marks Rothenberg Co. Science Award to James Askew (& Wildcat Outstanding Achievement Award)
The Queen City Mathematics Award to Joe Burnett (also 1958 Class Valedictorian)
The Queen City Mathematics Award to John (Spud) East (14th grade award)
The Meridian Chapter of the American Association of University Women Scholarship to Mollye Sharp (also third in the nation on the National Merit Scholarship Test, 1957)
The Math Association of America Award to Carol Chatham
The Mississippi Art Association Award to Gloria Varnado (Second Place Art Award)
The Phi Beta Kappa Award to Kathleen Bustin
The Maude Smith English Award to Ella Kappes
Also not pictured:
Joan Bodenmann, John Loomis, Jimmy Glasser, and Freddie Tingle were awarded long honored lifetime memberships in the Science Club of America.
Martha Ann Markline was named Outstanding Foreign Language Student.
(Information allowing the identification of persons and awards on this list was obtained by way of classmates' word of mouth, direct emails to individuals on the list, additional dunning emails to individuals on the list, by sending a suggested list of memory boosting supplements to persons on the list, by extracting information from spouses of persons on the list as those persons slept, and finally by reviewing a 5/23/58 Wildcat that Peggy Edwards supplied.) With luck, we got the list right.
Classmates from 1958 who received individual intellectual/academic awards are from left to right:
Back Row: Phyllis Beckman, Joan Garrett, Marjorie Barham, Philip George, James Askew, Joe Burnett, John (Spud) East, Mollye Sharp, Carol Chatham, and Gloria Varnado.
Front Row: Kathleen Bustin and Ella Kappes
The awards we have identified are:
The Modern Dance Award, also the Business Administration Award to Phyllis Beckman
The Mississippi Art Association Award to Marjorie Barham (First Place Art Award)
The Marks Rothenberg Co. Science Award to Philip George (also a National Merit Finalist)
The Marks Rothenberg Co. Science Award to James Askew (& Wildcat Outstanding Achievement Award)
The Queen City Mathematics Award to Joe Burnett (also 1958 Class Valedictorian)
The Queen City Mathematics Award to John (Spud) East (14th grade award)
The Meridian Chapter of the American Association of University Women Scholarship to Mollye Sharp (also third in the nation on the National Merit Scholarship Test, 1957)
The Math Association of America Award to Carol Chatham
The Mississippi Art Association Award to Gloria Varnado (Second Place Art Award)
The Phi Beta Kappa Award to Kathleen Bustin
The Maude Smith English Award to Ella Kappes
Also not pictured:
Joan Bodenmann, John Loomis, Jimmy Glasser, and Freddie Tingle were awarded long honored lifetime memberships in the Science Club of America.
Martha Ann Markline was named Outstanding Foreign Language Student.
(Information allowing the identification of persons and awards on this list was obtained by way of classmates' word of mouth, direct emails to individuals on the list, additional dunning emails to individuals on the list, by sending a suggested list of memory boosting supplements to persons on the list, by extracting information from spouses of persons on the list as those persons slept, and finally by reviewing a 5/23/58 Wildcat that Peggy Edwards supplied.) With luck, we got the list right.
1958 MHS GRADUATES' ACHIEVEMENT
The record of our MHS class graduation has been posted on the web before, but we are repeating that post here so that classmates have easy access to review the academic accomplishments of our peers. And those accomplishments are plentiful.
By count, out of 325 students who graduated, 39 received highest honors and 29 received honors to account for 21 percent of all graduates. That is not just an accomplishment mathematically, for Dr. Carson is documented as having told one of our scholarship recipients in 1960 that the standards for our class were so high, to graduate in the top 33 percent of our high school class was tantamount to graduating in the top 10 percent of other classes. In the conversation, he reportedly described our class as being highly intelligent, strongly motivated and as possessing a strong sense of purpose. A very nice compliment, indeed.
By count, out of 325 students who graduated, 39 received highest honors and 29 received honors to account for 21 percent of all graduates. That is not just an accomplishment mathematically, for Dr. Carson is documented as having told one of our scholarship recipients in 1960 that the standards for our class were so high, to graduate in the top 33 percent of our high school class was tantamount to graduating in the top 10 percent of other classes. In the conversation, he reportedly described our class as being highly intelligent, strongly motivated and as possessing a strong sense of purpose. A very nice compliment, indeed.
MHS GRADUATION EXERCISES, JUNE 2, 1958
Meridian High School graduation exercises were held June 2, 1958, 8 PM, at Ray Stadium. The graduation processional Pomp and Circumstance was played by the MJC band. Joe Burnett, 12th grade honor graduate, delivered the commencement address. Ralph Abraham, 12th grade president, presented the MHS class gift to the school. The MJC director, J. O. Carson, received the gifts. Ivan Burnett, 12th grade honor graduate, delivered the benediction.
12th graders graduating with highest honors were Beverly Adams, Joyce Bailey, Shirley Broadhead, Gay Broome, Gloria Brown, Richard Brown, Bobby Brown, Georgia Merle Browning, Ivan Burnett, Joe Burnett, Kathleen Bustin, Carole Chatham, Peggy Joyce Coats, Neldean Copeland, Marty Davidson, Michael Davis, Kay Dearman, Patsy Dorman, Jeanette Ferguson, Philip George, Amelia Hood, Laura Ann Horton, Judy Johnson, Ella Kappes, Leila Keeton, Mark Killam, Ouida Landreth, Judy McKellar, Martha Ann Markline, Ronnie Mitchell, Martin Palmer, Carey Ann Sanford, Tom Singley, Carolyn Smith, Anne Stallworth, Marianne Stuart, Bill Tatum, Freddie Tingle, and Betty Lou White.
12th graders graduating with honors were Ralph Abraham, Marjorie Barham, Phyllis Beckmann, Jackye Bergemeyer, Roy Crampton, Francine Culpepper, Joan Gault, Sandra Hodge, Dorothy Hood, Edwina Hubert, Patricia Kerr, Marty Kogan, Sandra Lovett, Pansy McCarra, Tee Mann, Frances Mayerhoff, Nona Parker, Gay Love Rawlings, Pat Rawson, Mona Robinson, William Sanders, Peggy Sellers, Sue Shannon, Briggs Smith, Mary Jane Spencer, Faye Stoudenmire, Rosemary Thomas, JoAnn Mills White, and Nancy Young.
The total number of MHS graduates was not mentioned in the article (condensed from The Meridian Star), but at the most recent reunion, the number 325 was stated.
12th graders graduating with highest honors were Beverly Adams, Joyce Bailey, Shirley Broadhead, Gay Broome, Gloria Brown, Richard Brown, Bobby Brown, Georgia Merle Browning, Ivan Burnett, Joe Burnett, Kathleen Bustin, Carole Chatham, Peggy Joyce Coats, Neldean Copeland, Marty Davidson, Michael Davis, Kay Dearman, Patsy Dorman, Jeanette Ferguson, Philip George, Amelia Hood, Laura Ann Horton, Judy Johnson, Ella Kappes, Leila Keeton, Mark Killam, Ouida Landreth, Judy McKellar, Martha Ann Markline, Ronnie Mitchell, Martin Palmer, Carey Ann Sanford, Tom Singley, Carolyn Smith, Anne Stallworth, Marianne Stuart, Bill Tatum, Freddie Tingle, and Betty Lou White.
12th graders graduating with honors were Ralph Abraham, Marjorie Barham, Phyllis Beckmann, Jackye Bergemeyer, Roy Crampton, Francine Culpepper, Joan Gault, Sandra Hodge, Dorothy Hood, Edwina Hubert, Patricia Kerr, Marty Kogan, Sandra Lovett, Pansy McCarra, Tee Mann, Frances Mayerhoff, Nona Parker, Gay Love Rawlings, Pat Rawson, Mona Robinson, William Sanders, Peggy Sellers, Sue Shannon, Briggs Smith, Mary Jane Spencer, Faye Stoudenmire, Rosemary Thomas, JoAnn Mills White, and Nancy Young.
The total number of MHS graduates was not mentioned in the article (condensed from The Meridian Star), but at the most recent reunion, the number 325 was stated.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
MEMORIAL DAY FISH FRY
A few classmates at Martha and Harry Hopkins' Memorial Day Fish Fry in Meridian. From L: Patricia Norris, Myra Mabry in front, Martha, and Beth Clark. We had a great time, and it didn't rain!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
1958 MHS SPRING SPORTS COACHES
L to R: Coach Leland Gebhart - Track, Coach Fredna Cross - Tennis, and Coach Harold Knight - Baseball
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
BASEBALL RESULTS 1958
Dick Smith's editorial outlined his predictions about our spring sports teams' chances. Now we need to find out how things turned out. Fifty years ago, remember that examinations were coming up, term papers were due, people were trying to pass something, graduation parties were underway and proms were held. We were almost as busy then as we are now, but we were still playing sports for school honors. Based on some newspaper and Wildcat articles and current emails from class, this is what we know:
Meridian High School Baseball
Meridian won the 1957 High School State Championship. That is when our classmates were juniors, but there were many from our class who played on the championship team. That team picture is in our 1958 annual, however, we are including a team picture here so that it can be downloaded into personal computers.
There were several returning baseball players from the 1957 team to the senior team. Players are identified in the annual, but basic starters on the state team were Oliver Buntin, Richard Clayton, Larry Quimby, Louis Thompson, Will Hudson, Frankie Brewer, James Tillman, Jerry White and Selby Salters.
The second picture is of the 1958 team, our senior year. This photo is with the rest in the slideshow.
We did get to the regional baseball finals in 1958 and played for the South State title against Jackson Murrah High School. As mentioned in Dick Smith's article, the Jackson pitcher, Guy Parker, was able to pitch for two or three consecutive games against Meridian and held our team to very few hits. It was a challenge for us to score runs and although our field play held them to low scoring, we did lose the regional final to Jackson. Jackson apparently went on to win the state championship the next week with Guy Parker's pitching.
Starting players on our 1958 team were Oliver Buntin, Elmer Knight, Louis Thompson, Freddie Schoenrock, Will Hudson, Jerry Yarbrough, R. V. Skelton, Burton Gray, and Sonny Farr. James Watson, Marty Kogan, Bobby Satcher, Gayle Wardlowe, and James Warren were also from our class.
Meridian High School Baseball
Meridian won the 1957 High School State Championship. That is when our classmates were juniors, but there were many from our class who played on the championship team. That team picture is in our 1958 annual, however, we are including a team picture here so that it can be downloaded into personal computers.
There were several returning baseball players from the 1957 team to the senior team. Players are identified in the annual, but basic starters on the state team were Oliver Buntin, Richard Clayton, Larry Quimby, Louis Thompson, Will Hudson, Frankie Brewer, James Tillman, Jerry White and Selby Salters.
The second picture is of the 1958 team, our senior year. This photo is with the rest in the slideshow.
We did get to the regional baseball finals in 1958 and played for the South State title against Jackson Murrah High School. As mentioned in Dick Smith's article, the Jackson pitcher, Guy Parker, was able to pitch for two or three consecutive games against Meridian and held our team to very few hits. It was a challenge for us to score runs and although our field play held them to low scoring, we did lose the regional final to Jackson. Jackson apparently went on to win the state championship the next week with Guy Parker's pitching.
Starting players on our 1958 team were Oliver Buntin, Elmer Knight, Louis Thompson, Freddie Schoenrock, Will Hudson, Jerry Yarbrough, R. V. Skelton, Burton Gray, and Sonny Farr. James Watson, Marty Kogan, Bobby Satcher, Gayle Wardlowe, and James Warren were also from our class.
TRACK RESULTS 1958
Meridian High Track qualifiers coming out of combined south meets moved on to the state meet in Greenwood. There they competed against north division winners and other qualifiers from south. One of the qualifiers was Sterling Ainsworth in the pole vault. Ralph had this comment to make about Sterling:
"I vividly remember watching Sterling practice the pole vault one day when taking a break from our workout. As Sterling was raising his feet (back parallel to the ground) to go over the crossbar, the metal pole gave way in the middle. He came crashing to the ground. He fortunately did not sustain an injury."
With regard to the whole track season, Ralph said that the Meridian team won events at different meets, but not so much at combined meets. In particular, he participated with Marty, Ronnie and Chas Mc on the 440 and 880 relay teams. He said that track team was a lot of fun with lots of good memories and friendships formed. Indeed it appears from the track team picture, many, many people were involved.
Results of the state meet in Jackson were that Glen McQuage came in first in the mile. He won that event for MHS as was hoped, if not expected. Overall points for the team are not quite remembered.
Kudos, though, for Marty who could remember that Glen won the mile. Marty stated, "Glen did win the state --- I do remember that much."
"I vividly remember watching Sterling practice the pole vault one day when taking a break from our workout. As Sterling was raising his feet (back parallel to the ground) to go over the crossbar, the metal pole gave way in the middle. He came crashing to the ground. He fortunately did not sustain an injury."
With regard to the whole track season, Ralph said that the Meridian team won events at different meets, but not so much at combined meets. In particular, he participated with Marty, Ronnie and Chas Mc on the 440 and 880 relay teams. He said that track team was a lot of fun with lots of good memories and friendships formed. Indeed it appears from the track team picture, many, many people were involved.
Results of the state meet in Jackson were that Glen McQuage came in first in the mile. He won that event for MHS as was hoped, if not expected. Overall points for the team are not quite remembered.
Kudos, though, for Marty who could remember that Glen won the mile. Marty stated, "Glen did win the state --- I do remember that much."
TENNIS RESULTS 1958
Our Meridian High tennis team had two entries in the Mississippi State tennis tourney in Jackson.
Phillip George, the Mississippi number one ranked boy's singles player played a rematch against a McComb player he had just defeated 6-2, 6-2 the week before in the Southstate finals. And lost.
We really don't know what happened in that match. Between south state and state, Holmes probably analyzed every possible weakness that Phillip had and planned a successful strategy to wear him down if and when they met again. It was an incredible battle. Both Phillip and Billy Holmes had already played tough matches that day against north division winners. The score was 8-6 and 6-4 for the two long sets. Neither player gave up. In the end I think it was just the "Jackson curse" which effectuates any time a Meridian team plays on Jackson turf.
The girls' doubles advancement in the state tournament was definitely not without its drama. I got the measles and could not play in district, then had a wreck the night before state. Jackson sports writers were livid that I had even played in south state because Lynne and I beat their doubles team from Provine. We met that same team later on in the very final match at state and beat them again for the championship.
That last match was a hard one and even though we were expected to win, one of our opponents was simply hugely tall and had a serve that could be. . . well, hard to return and hard to dodge at net. The championship score was 5-7, 6-4, 7-5.
Coty Huggins was a fourth player from our class who played on the varsity, but she and Richard Martin did not advance beyond first round in mixed doubles in south state. They lost to a strong Jackson Provine mixed doubles team who went on to win state for Provine
Phillip George, the Mississippi number one ranked boy's singles player played a rematch against a McComb player he had just defeated 6-2, 6-2 the week before in the Southstate finals. And lost.
We really don't know what happened in that match. Between south state and state, Holmes probably analyzed every possible weakness that Phillip had and planned a successful strategy to wear him down if and when they met again. It was an incredible battle. Both Phillip and Billy Holmes had already played tough matches that day against north division winners. The score was 8-6 and 6-4 for the two long sets. Neither player gave up. In the end I think it was just the "Jackson curse" which effectuates any time a Meridian team plays on Jackson turf.
The girls' doubles advancement in the state tournament was definitely not without its drama. I got the measles and could not play in district, then had a wreck the night before state. Jackson sports writers were livid that I had even played in south state because Lynne and I beat their doubles team from Provine. We met that same team later on in the very final match at state and beat them again for the championship.
That last match was a hard one and even though we were expected to win, one of our opponents was simply hugely tall and had a serve that could be. . . well, hard to return and hard to dodge at net. The championship score was 5-7, 6-4, 7-5.
Coty Huggins was a fourth player from our class who played on the varsity, but she and Richard Martin did not advance beyond first round in mixed doubles in south state. They lost to a strong Jackson Provine mixed doubles team who went on to win state for Provine
GOLF RESULTS 1958
The Meridian High School Golf Team for 1958 had players apparently only on the girls' side for the 1958 golf season. With three other competing sports, the guys at this time were spread pretty thin, but the girls' team represented the school ably. Gay Rawlings was the number 1 player for Meridian and was apparently paired against the number 1 player from competing schools throughout the season. Other of our players may have shifted their position more often whereas solidly at the top for our team was Gay Rawlings.
David Elliott, one of Gay's fans, indicated that although she did well throughout the season, there was stiff competition she faced when tournaments and not just school rivalries took place. Mary Mills of Gulfport was ranked number one throughout the season and faced off with Meridian more than one or two times. David indicated that Mary Mills went on to play professional golf after high school/college.
Meridian apparently was unable to get past Gulfport in District play and did not have sufficient points to move as a team to South State. If anyone has different information, please share it. Had Meridian gone to South State, they would have again had to play Gulfport as well as Jackson which also had its usual competitors.
In all, the season's play, sportsmanship and team building and not just trophies were what our sports were about. Besides, as David pointed out "not many athletes are able play a sport in hoop skirts and flats."
David Elliott, one of Gay's fans, indicated that although she did well throughout the season, there was stiff competition she faced when tournaments and not just school rivalries took place. Mary Mills of Gulfport was ranked number one throughout the season and faced off with Meridian more than one or two times. David indicated that Mary Mills went on to play professional golf after high school/college.
Meridian apparently was unable to get past Gulfport in District play and did not have sufficient points to move as a team to South State. If anyone has different information, please share it. Had Meridian gone to South State, they would have again had to play Gulfport as well as Jackson which also had its usual competitors.
In all, the season's play, sportsmanship and team building and not just trophies were what our sports were about. Besides, as David pointed out "not many athletes are able play a sport in hoop skirts and flats."
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
DICK SMITH EDITORIAL 1958
Remember Dick Smith, Sportswriter for the Meridian Star?
A clipping of Dick Smith's editorial written apparently one week before a flurry of state tournaments for our 1958 spring sports teams gives a good overview of where we were and what could be expected in the upcoming tourneys. Dick's wording and substance are the same with minor editing for clarity. Remember this is mid May, 1958. Dick writes:
TENNIS, TRACK and BASEBALL titles are up for grabs for the Meridian High Wildcat athletes this weekend, and we have the feeling dear old MHS will wear some kind of crown before the week is ended.
Coach Doug McLean takes netters to Jackson Friday for two events in the state tennis finals in what right now ranks as the best bet for Meridian honors. Phillip George, undefeated this year, will meet Henry Lodge of Tupelo in the first round of the Mississippi High School boys' singles championship while Edwina Hubert and Lynne Johnson also undefeated will meet Joyce Price and Judy Brooks of Amory in the state girls' doubles tourney.
We look for both titles to become a part of an outstanding Meridian High tennis history. George is one of the outstanding netters in the South while Johnson, a defending doubles champion, and Hubert far outclass anything they have played. Meridian could also claim the team championship by winning the two titles.
*************************
Coach L.D. Gebhart trackers have qualified for the Big Eight event scheduled for Greenwood on Saturday afternoon. Sterling Ainsworth will seek the pole vaulting honors, but he has been beaten a couple of times already by Greenwood's Charles McDaniels and Laurel's John Crawford and isn't likely to take them tomorrow. Bob Bullock qualified in the discus, but is in about the same boat as Ainsworth.
Glen McQuage and Charles Bradley are entered in the mile event. There's the best chance for a title for Meridian. McQuage hasn't finished lower than second in a meet this year and will be the choice man to beat in the mile run. He'll be against Sam Burkett of Hattiesburg, Henry Skelton of Pascagoula, Bradley and Robert Young of McComb. He's beaten them all. Charles Bradley could finish high among the list for a couple of Meridian points.
Murrah High School of Jackson should walk off with the Big Eight team championship for the second straight season. Brookhaven and Greenwood then Hattiesburg could come in that order after the Murrah Mustangs.
*************************
THE WILDCATS BASEBALL TEAM will be up against Guy Parker and the Murrah Mustangs starting Saturday afternoon at 2:30 at Battlefield Park in Jackson. It will be lefty Parker against Jim Watson of MHS, the "backbones" of both teams. Parker has nine straight wins and Watson has an 8-1 record at our last count.
In a repeat of last year's South Mississippi championship playoff, the second game will be played in Meridian, Tuesday at 2:30 pm at the high school baseball field. If a third game is necessary, it will be played in Meridian on Thursday.
The way the schedule is set up, Parker can see action in all three games . . . but that is what Murrah and Meridian officials agreed to do.
Meridian went into the South finals by taking an extra inning from McComb while Murrah edged Biloxi 3 to 2 with Parker fanning a dozen.
We strongly believe the Cat baseball team can whip Guy Parker for the first time. Meridian's bat strength is probably stronger than anything Murrah has seen . . . but Parker is certainly the best pitcher Meridian will see this year.
If Meridian gets by Murrah, they'll go to the state finals with the North Mississippi champ . . .either Mt. Olive or Tupelo.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
AN IRIS (Click on photo to enlarge)
(M. Hopkins)
Sweet scent of iris
softly blankets
the senses
Erect and noble
she slowly nods
at the wind
Salmon velvet robe
soothes, beckons
and addresses
Butterfly questions
(Unknown author)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Mystery
By Maxine
This mystery has taken a long time to figure out, but one worth telling about.
Several months ago, following one of my four surgeries on my foot, I couldn't sleep, and was in a lot of pain. I got on my scooter and went into the living room to watch television and not wake up my husband. As usual, the only thing on late night television, or I should say early morning television is infomercials, or sex movies, neither of which I had any desire to watch. So as I lay there sobbing and feeling sorry for myself, I heard the familiar "blip-blip" sound of the doggie door in the kitchen. Well, I knew where my dogs were. They sleep in a baby bed in my bedroom, and that is where they were. What could this animal be??? One that had done this before ???
I listened quietly, wondering, was this a sound of something coming inside or something going out??? I didn't hear anything, so I got back on my scooter and eased into the kitchen, turned on all the lights, and was expecting to see a raccoon or some small animal finding it's way to the dog food bowl. I didn't see anything, and everything seemed to be in place. At least it got my mind off my pain, and time for the pain pill to take effect.
When you live in the country, you can hear lots of strange sounds, but never do we hear sirens, gunshots or ambulances that are normal for the big cities.
After another thirty minutes or so I decided that whatever it was had already eaten and when I went into the living room, it had found its way back out the doggie door. At least it didn't leave behind any poop.
About a week later, we were getting ready for bed. The house was quiet, the dogs were all asleep in their bed, and we heard a loud crash coming from the back of the house somewhere. It sounded like a picture had fallen off the wall and glass broke. We searched everywhere for evidence of this noise. Nothing!!
Another week went by, and I opened a cedar closet in the hallway to put up our winter coats, and there on the floor of this closet was a box of old 8mm films that could not have fallen off the top shelf by themselves. AH HA!! This was the noise that we had heard, but what caused it ??
At this point, all of you scaredy cats better just delete, because.......
I got a stool to stand on so that I could get a good look on that top shelf to see if I could find any evidence of a nest or something. What I found was the SHED SKIN of a very long SNAKE. It appeared to be the skin of a rat snake, but where was the snake???? He was not in the closet, and I haven't found it yet!!!!
It has been a good "company" deterent. HeeHee!!! And now we lock the doggie door every night. I just hope we haven't locked the snake inside.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
News from Bob Bailey About Tornado
Thanks Jinny
We are okay and our house is okay. Lots of limbs etc but we missed severe damage. Houses on both sides had BIG trees down and house of a friend around the corner hit hard. Our son’s place in the country has severe damage but standing okay. Lots of damage otherwise. Tornado tracked edge of town so downtown and most residential was spared from tornado but not high winds. We got electricity back but it will be down for a while for those in the track. We do not have gas due to a gas line valve in path of tornado being shut down---so, no hot water, but that is minor. 4 or 5 died in Yazoo City / County. Total dead as of now is 10 including two other counties.
Please pray for those in most need and pass this along to others in ’58 Class.
Thanks again and have a good Lord’s Day.
Bob and Amanda
Photos From Clarion Ledger
We are okay and our house is okay. Lots of limbs etc but we missed severe damage. Houses on both sides had BIG trees down and house of a friend around the corner hit hard. Our son’s place in the country has severe damage but standing okay. Lots of damage otherwise. Tornado tracked edge of town so downtown and most residential was spared from tornado but not high winds. We got electricity back but it will be down for a while for those in the track. We do not have gas due to a gas line valve in path of tornado being shut down---so, no hot water, but that is minor. 4 or 5 died in Yazoo City / County. Total dead as of now is 10 including two other counties.
Please pray for those in most need and pass this along to others in ’58 Class.
Thanks again and have a good Lord’s Day.
Bob and Amanda
Photos From Clarion Ledger
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
6TH GRADE OPERETTA AT WITHERSPOON
Double click on the picture to enlarge.
We presented the operetta "The Inn of the Golden Cheese," and made our parents proud. This operetta was presented around the country by schools during the 1950's; it took place in the 1700's, and has pilgrims and Indians in it. Peggy Edwards, who sent me this picture, remembers the names of almost all in the photo (let us know if you remember the others), and also the words to many of the songs; she was in the chorus. Great memory, Peggy! I was the announcer because they said I had the loudest voice - LOL.
Row 1: Christine Powe, Carolyn Hitt, Mary Alice Keyes, Joyce Bragg, Sandra Pulliam, Carlee Hamilton, Hilda Todd
Row 2: Martha Ann Markline, Charlotte Quinn, Frances Ousley, Shirley Wilson, Dorothy Nelson, Jean Chandler, Jane Smith, Ina Faye Reid, Mary Ruth Jones
Row 3: Virginia Ballard, Bessie Godwin, Evelyn Davidson, Mildred Majors, Phil Merrill, Sue Powell, Pansy McCarra, Peggy Edwards, Bernie Mae Lowe, Patricia Rawson
Row 4: Willie Ray Bunyard?, George White, Thomas Crain, ?, ?, William Burt, Lamar Knight, Ray Crawford?, Tommy McMullen, ?, Billy Nichols, ?, ?
Opening Song
At the Inn of the Golden Cheese
We're in charge to do as we please
And we please to make it spic and span
We'll polish every pot and pan
We'll chase the dust until
It makes us sneeze (ah-choo?)
At the Inn of the Golden Cheese
There's no time to take our ease
For we expect a famous guest (William Penn)
Who'll say our service is the best
He's ever had - at the Golden Cheese.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Saturday Night Special
You asked for this, so here is the latest excitement in The Garden of Eatin' here in La Grange.
When we first started our farm here, we had a snake problem, and we were told to get some Guinea Fowls and they would kill snakes. This is true, I've seen it happen. After the guineas get through with a snake, the snake will crawl off looking like a soaker hose with holes all in him.
We got guineas, chickens, ducks, geese and set up brooder cages with lights to get started. I decided to always leave a low watt light bulb in the chicken house just in case a snake or a skunk or raccoon or some predator animal managed to get into the chicken house. The guineas and chickens can see how to fly to another roost for safety and not fly into a wall, breaking its neck. I am always thinking ahead.
This past Saturday, I get out of the shower, put on my night gown, and looked down towards the chicken house and it is pitch dark. I assumed the bulb had burned out, so I put on my shoes, turned on the back patio flood lights and hobbled down to the chicken house with a new bulb. I didn't take a flashlight, because the flood lights gave off enough light for me to see how to cross the little stream and wooden bridge leading to the chicken house. I would just have to unscrew the old bulb and screw in the new one, RIGHT??? This is where things started happening.
I got to the chicken house, with the light to my back, and I reached for the latch on the door to open the chicken house. I grabbed hold of what I thought surely must be the extension cord, but then it wrapped around my wrist and definitely had life in it. I was not sure if I was holding a snake, a lizard, a possum tail or what, so I try to focus, and realize I am nose to nose with a rat snake as tall as me. I'm not usually afraid of snakes, but this one was on a mission.
I didn't have my cell phone in my pocket because I was in my night gown. I was on my own. I needed to keep this snake from getting into the chicken house, because they will swallow a sleeping guinea's head and suffocate it.
I had to turn loose and go get the snake grabber that I had made years earlier. It is a 4 foot piece of PVC pipe with a lanyard running through it. I've used it many times to remove things to another place.
Many thoughts ran through my mind, but none of them were any good at that point. I hobbled back up to the house to get the things I needed and told my husband and brother to "Get the gun!" They started asking all kinds of questions, none of which I wanted to answer right then. So I slammed the door and probably said something I shouldn't have and went back down to remove the snake. I saw him, now coiled up on one of the brooder cages, so I looped the lanyard around his head about 2 inches back, but I couldn't pull him off the cage. He was so big and heavy, and he was holding on like he had a dozen hands and feet. A few minutes later, the men showed up to help me. He ended up being 6 feet long and as big around as a child's arm.
Next time, I will take my cell phone and a flashlight.
We didn't take this one down to the river.
Just another day!!!
Maxine
When we first started our farm here, we had a snake problem, and we were told to get some Guinea Fowls and they would kill snakes. This is true, I've seen it happen. After the guineas get through with a snake, the snake will crawl off looking like a soaker hose with holes all in him.
We got guineas, chickens, ducks, geese and set up brooder cages with lights to get started. I decided to always leave a low watt light bulb in the chicken house just in case a snake or a skunk or raccoon or some predator animal managed to get into the chicken house. The guineas and chickens can see how to fly to another roost for safety and not fly into a wall, breaking its neck. I am always thinking ahead.
This past Saturday, I get out of the shower, put on my night gown, and looked down towards the chicken house and it is pitch dark. I assumed the bulb had burned out, so I put on my shoes, turned on the back patio flood lights and hobbled down to the chicken house with a new bulb. I didn't take a flashlight, because the flood lights gave off enough light for me to see how to cross the little stream and wooden bridge leading to the chicken house. I would just have to unscrew the old bulb and screw in the new one, RIGHT??? This is where things started happening.
I got to the chicken house, with the light to my back, and I reached for the latch on the door to open the chicken house. I grabbed hold of what I thought surely must be the extension cord, but then it wrapped around my wrist and definitely had life in it. I was not sure if I was holding a snake, a lizard, a possum tail or what, so I try to focus, and realize I am nose to nose with a rat snake as tall as me. I'm not usually afraid of snakes, but this one was on a mission.
I didn't have my cell phone in my pocket because I was in my night gown. I was on my own. I needed to keep this snake from getting into the chicken house, because they will swallow a sleeping guinea's head and suffocate it.
I had to turn loose and go get the snake grabber that I had made years earlier. It is a 4 foot piece of PVC pipe with a lanyard running through it. I've used it many times to remove things to another place.
Many thoughts ran through my mind, but none of them were any good at that point. I hobbled back up to the house to get the things I needed and told my husband and brother to "Get the gun!" They started asking all kinds of questions, none of which I wanted to answer right then. So I slammed the door and probably said something I shouldn't have and went back down to remove the snake. I saw him, now coiled up on one of the brooder cages, so I looped the lanyard around his head about 2 inches back, but I couldn't pull him off the cage. He was so big and heavy, and he was holding on like he had a dozen hands and feet. A few minutes later, the men showed up to help me. He ended up being 6 feet long and as big around as a child's arm.
Next time, I will take my cell phone and a flashlight.
We didn't take this one down to the river.
Just another day!!!
Maxine
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
SPRING BLOOMS
Just want to share with you this photo of Japanese Magnolia blooms that son Peter took with his new camera equipment. He says that the blurred aesthetic background is called "bokeh." Have a happy spring!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Laura S. James, Mother of David James
JONESBORO, Ga. -- Services for Laura Swann James will be held Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the Pristine Chapel in Jonesboro, Ga.
Mrs. James, 88, of Jonesboro, formerly of Marion, Miss., died Wednesday, March. 24, 2010, in hospice care. She was born in Tunica, Miss., on Sept. 23, 1921. While in Meridian, Mrs. James served as a full-time volunteer for the American Red Cross for 20 years. She once brought several families displaced by Hurricane Camille into her home until satisfactory lodging could be obtained for them. Mrs. James was also a longtime employee of Dement Printing Company. In Marion, she was a member of the Marion Methodist Church.
Survivors include her children, David James and wife, Kathleen, of Dunwoody, Ga.; granddaughter, Mary James Strawn of Jonesboro; a son-in-law, William "Ralph" Setzer of Tulsa, Okla.; brother-in-law, Charles James and his wife, Marion, of Lancaster, Texas, and a sister-in-law, Mildred White of Phoenix, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William D. James, daughter, Leah James Setzer; son-in-law, Jackson B. (Jack) Strawn; her parents, Mr. Charles G. Swann and Leah H. Swann; and her brother, Raymond N. Swann.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Mrs. James, 88, of Jonesboro, formerly of Marion, Miss., died Wednesday, March. 24, 2010, in hospice care. She was born in Tunica, Miss., on Sept. 23, 1921. While in Meridian, Mrs. James served as a full-time volunteer for the American Red Cross for 20 years. She once brought several families displaced by Hurricane Camille into her home until satisfactory lodging could be obtained for them. Mrs. James was also a longtime employee of Dement Printing Company. In Marion, she was a member of the Marion Methodist Church.
Survivors include her children, David James and wife, Kathleen, of Dunwoody, Ga.; granddaughter, Mary James Strawn of Jonesboro; a son-in-law, William "Ralph" Setzer of Tulsa, Okla.; brother-in-law, Charles James and his wife, Marion, of Lancaster, Texas, and a sister-in-law, Mildred White of Phoenix, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William D. James, daughter, Leah James Setzer; son-in-law, Jackson B. (Jack) Strawn; her parents, Mr. Charles G. Swann and Leah H. Swann; and her brother, Raymond N. Swann.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tommy L. Ranager, Husband of Nancy Collier Ranager
Long-time Millsaps athletic coach Tommy Ranager, 68, passed away Monday, March 22, 2010 at the Brandon Court Nursing Home in Brandon. Visitation will be held today from 10am. until the 11am funeral service at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon. Graveside services are 3pm. today at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Meridian.
Born in Meridian, Mississippi on September 19, 1941, to Cecil L. Ranager and Annell Hansen, Tommy grew up in Meridian and attended Meridian public schools where he excelled in athletics.
He graduated from Mississippi State University where he was a starting offensive guard and defensive linebacker for the Bulldog football team. While at State he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and MSU M Club.
He married Nancy Collier of Meridian and began his coaching career in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, where he coached football under Charles Calloway. His older son Cecil McKinley (Ken) was born in Hazlehurst and his younger son Thomas Clay was born soon after his move to Millsaps College.
In 1964 Tommy began a long, successful, happy career at Millsaps. For 25 years Tommy served as Coach Harper Davis' only assistant. Together they won games, broke records and touched the lives of hundreds of young men and women.
Coach Davis retired after 25 years, and Tommy became head football coach, concluding his career at Millsaps in 1996 after 32 years. His greatest joy was in knowing of the success and accomplishments of his former players and students.
During his tenure at Millsaps Coach Ranager taught health and physical education while also serving as the Majors' head baseball coach for nineteen years. He was succeeded by the current coach Jim Paige who was his former student and baseball player.
In 1975 Coach Ranager led the defensive unit to finish first in the nation in both scoring defense and total defense. In 1980 he led the defensive unit to set the Division III mark in scoring defense for a season by holding the opposition to 3.4 points per contest. In 1991 he led the football team in capturing its first Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship.
Coach Ranager was inducted into the Millsaps Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. In 2005 he was honored when Millsaps named the field house The Tommy Ranager Field House. An academic scholarship was also established in his name.
After retirement Tommy worked for Rankin County School District Alternative School under principal Jamie McKlemurry.
Tommy treasured his friends from all areas of life. He loved the outdoors and all it had to offer. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and sharing stories about past adventures. He was a wonderful cook and could easily draw a crowd whenever he fired up the grill or got out his gumbo pot -- the longer it took, the better! He delighted in friends and family especially his six grandchildren.
He was a life-long Baptist and a charter member of Brandon Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by both parents. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy Collier Ranager and his sons, Ken Ranager (Tana), Clay Ranager (Heather) and grandchildren Thomas Collier Ranager, Catherine McKinley Ranager, Cecil Hudson Ranager, Laura Preston Ranager, Mary Cecille Ranager and Jane Marie Ranager.
Other survivors include much loved stepmother, Helen Ranager; brothers, George Ranager (Beth) of Meridian, Ab Demoran and Louis Demoran of D'Iberville; and sisters, Cecilia Ranager Jackson of Meridian and Kandie Taylor (David) and Mary Scott of D'Iberville, Mississippi.
Memorials may be directed to Millsaps College for the Tommy Ranager Field House, Millsaps College Tommy Ranager Academic Scholarship or Brandon Baptist Church Building Fund.
The memory of a just man is a blessing." Proverb
Source: The Clarion Ledger
Born in Meridian, Mississippi on September 19, 1941, to Cecil L. Ranager and Annell Hansen, Tommy grew up in Meridian and attended Meridian public schools where he excelled in athletics.
He graduated from Mississippi State University where he was a starting offensive guard and defensive linebacker for the Bulldog football team. While at State he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and MSU M Club.
He married Nancy Collier of Meridian and began his coaching career in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, where he coached football under Charles Calloway. His older son Cecil McKinley (Ken) was born in Hazlehurst and his younger son Thomas Clay was born soon after his move to Millsaps College.
In 1964 Tommy began a long, successful, happy career at Millsaps. For 25 years Tommy served as Coach Harper Davis' only assistant. Together they won games, broke records and touched the lives of hundreds of young men and women.
Coach Davis retired after 25 years, and Tommy became head football coach, concluding his career at Millsaps in 1996 after 32 years. His greatest joy was in knowing of the success and accomplishments of his former players and students.
During his tenure at Millsaps Coach Ranager taught health and physical education while also serving as the Majors' head baseball coach for nineteen years. He was succeeded by the current coach Jim Paige who was his former student and baseball player.
In 1975 Coach Ranager led the defensive unit to finish first in the nation in both scoring defense and total defense. In 1980 he led the defensive unit to set the Division III mark in scoring defense for a season by holding the opposition to 3.4 points per contest. In 1991 he led the football team in capturing its first Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship.
Coach Ranager was inducted into the Millsaps Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. In 2005 he was honored when Millsaps named the field house The Tommy Ranager Field House. An academic scholarship was also established in his name.
After retirement Tommy worked for Rankin County School District Alternative School under principal Jamie McKlemurry.
Tommy treasured his friends from all areas of life. He loved the outdoors and all it had to offer. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and sharing stories about past adventures. He was a wonderful cook and could easily draw a crowd whenever he fired up the grill or got out his gumbo pot -- the longer it took, the better! He delighted in friends and family especially his six grandchildren.
He was a life-long Baptist and a charter member of Brandon Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by both parents. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy Collier Ranager and his sons, Ken Ranager (Tana), Clay Ranager (Heather) and grandchildren Thomas Collier Ranager, Catherine McKinley Ranager, Cecil Hudson Ranager, Laura Preston Ranager, Mary Cecille Ranager and Jane Marie Ranager.
Other survivors include much loved stepmother, Helen Ranager; brothers, George Ranager (Beth) of Meridian, Ab Demoran and Louis Demoran of D'Iberville; and sisters, Cecilia Ranager Jackson of Meridian and Kandie Taylor (David) and Mary Scott of D'Iberville, Mississippi.
Memorials may be directed to Millsaps College for the Tommy Ranager Field House, Millsaps College Tommy Ranager Academic Scholarship or Brandon Baptist Church Building Fund.
The memory of a just man is a blessing." Proverb
Source: The Clarion Ledger
WHEEL FOR LILITH goes to Gadsden Cultural Arts
Here are pics from last week when Director Bobby Welch of Gadsden Cultural Arts picked up my donated sculpture for the trip to Gadsden. The sculpture is in honor of the Bird-Woman Goddess Lilith, who was maligned when the goddess religions were crushed. I want to give Lilith her due, as she represents all strong women. The birds are soul symbols on the wheel of life. It can be interpreted in many ways, but these were my thoughts when creating it. WFL has original cast iron and cast bronze parts, which I cast at Sloss Furnace in B'ham. During the period when I was making found-object sculpture and frequenting junk yards, I was having the most fun of my art career. Currently I am painting on shaped, 3D canvases.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Tommy Ranager
We are sorry to learn that Tommy passed away this morning and ask your prayers for Nancy, their children and grandchildren during this time of sorrow.
I recall Nancy's writing for the class reunion booklet and ask the Good God to bless and comfort her during this time. Nancy wrote:
"This is what I had planned to write: Fifty years, one husband, two sons, six grandchildren, a career in education, and many happy memories with very few bumps in the road, built on the foundation of friendships and adventures of growing up with all of you;………..
"BUT, then we hit the really big bump in the road this summer. My husband, Tommy, (Class of ‘59) had a debilitating stroke. That, coupled with other health problems, has changed both of our lives forever. In 2005, Millsaps College, where Tommy taught and coached for 32 years, honored him by naming the field house the Tommy Ranager Field House. We were humbled by this lovely honor and very grateful."
Funeral Plans
Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon (1360 West Government Street, Brandon 39042; phone 601-824-6018) are in charge of Tommy's funeral. Visitation is Tuesday March 23, 5 - 8 p.m. The funeral is at 11 a.m. March 24, with visitation one hour prior to the service. We understand that Nancy's church will be serving lunch to the family after the funeral, and then they will go to Meridian after lunch for the burial which will be at 3 p.m., Forest Lawn Cemetery on Hwy. 39 North.
I recall Nancy's writing for the class reunion booklet and ask the Good God to bless and comfort her during this time. Nancy wrote:
"This is what I had planned to write: Fifty years, one husband, two sons, six grandchildren, a career in education, and many happy memories with very few bumps in the road, built on the foundation of friendships and adventures of growing up with all of you;………..
"BUT, then we hit the really big bump in the road this summer. My husband, Tommy, (Class of ‘59) had a debilitating stroke. That, coupled with other health problems, has changed both of our lives forever. In 2005, Millsaps College, where Tommy taught and coached for 32 years, honored him by naming the field house the Tommy Ranager Field House. We were humbled by this lovely honor and very grateful."
Funeral Plans
Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon (1360 West Government Street, Brandon 39042; phone 601-824-6018) are in charge of Tommy's funeral. Visitation is Tuesday March 23, 5 - 8 p.m. The funeral is at 11 a.m. March 24, with visitation one hour prior to the service. We understand that Nancy's church will be serving lunch to the family after the funeral, and then they will go to Meridian after lunch for the burial which will be at 3 p.m., Forest Lawn Cemetery on Hwy. 39 North.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Backaches, Heartbreak, and Hope in Mississippi : The Humane Society of the United States
Backaches, Heartbreak, and Hope in Mississippi : The Humane Society of the United States
PRESTON, Miss. — The Humane Society of the United States and the Mississippi Animal Rescue League assisted the Kemper County Sheriff's Department in the seizure of 165 dogs and cats who were found living in deplorable conditions in Preston, Miss. The animals were removed from Raven's Hope, a non-profit organization that claims to offer animals for adoption. The seizure is the largest known animal rescue in Kemper County. . . .
MERIDIAN — Raven's Hope Animal Sanctuary in Kemper County garnered statewide attention early last week as more than 150 dogs were taken from a labyrinth of outdoor cages surrounding an otherwise unassuming house. . . . "We found seven dogs deceased already when we arrived," said Jordan Crump, a spokesperson for the Humane Society of the United States. "There were an untold amount of skeletal remains all over the property." The remains were presumably of dogs, she said. "I've been on about 30 rescue missions," Crump said. "This is probably the worst I've seen. . . . (Read more here.)
PRESTON, Miss. — The Humane Society of the United States and the Mississippi Animal Rescue League assisted the Kemper County Sheriff's Department in the seizure of 165 dogs and cats who were found living in deplorable conditions in Preston, Miss. The animals were removed from Raven's Hope, a non-profit organization that claims to offer animals for adoption. The seizure is the largest known animal rescue in Kemper County. . . .
MERIDIAN — Raven's Hope Animal Sanctuary in Kemper County garnered statewide attention early last week as more than 150 dogs were taken from a labyrinth of outdoor cages surrounding an otherwise unassuming house. . . . "We found seven dogs deceased already when we arrived," said Jordan Crump, a spokesperson for the Humane Society of the United States. "There were an untold amount of skeletal remains all over the property." The remains were presumably of dogs, she said. "I've been on about 30 rescue missions," Crump said. "This is probably the worst I've seen. . . . (Read more here.)
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Seven Up Candy Bar
The Seven Up bar itself consisted of seven separated, filled sections connected by an outer chocolate shell. The shell was real milk chocolate, a bit thick on the edges, but thinner over the fillings, and had a good snap to it if bitten, and a smooth melt if left upon your tongue. The seven fillings were: Orange Jelly, Maple, Caramel, Brazil Nut, Fudge, Coconut, and Cherry; each was so distinct and different that no two bites were remotely alike. I loved the Seven Up bar for that reason especially, and, too, both the chocolate and the candy centers were really, really good.
I sent this to quite a few via e-mail and had some replies from those who remember this lost treasure.
--
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
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