In Celebration of MHS Class of 1958
Thursday, July 4, 2013
55th Class Reunion
He was a widower and she a widow. They had known each other for a number of years being high school classmates and having attended class reunions over the last 50+ years without fail.
This anniversary of their class the widower and the widow made a foursome with two other singles.
They had a wonderful evening, their spirits high, the widower throwing admiring glances across the table. The widow smiling coyly back at him.
Finally, he picked up courage to ask her, "Will you marry me?"
After about six seconds of careful consideration, she answered, "Yes, yes I will!"
The evening ended on a happy note for the widower. But the next morning he was troubled. Did she say "Yes" or did she say "No?" He couldn't remember. Try as he would, he just could not recall. He went over the conversation of the previous evening, but his mind was blank. He remembered asking the question, but for the life of him could not recall her response. With fear and trepidation he picked up the phone and called her.
First, he explained that he couldn't remember as well as he used to. Then he reviewed the past evening. As he gained a little more courage, he then inquired of her. "When I asked if you would marry me, did you say 'Yes' or did you say 'No?'"
"Why you silly man, I said, 'Yes. Yes I will.' And I meant it with all my heart."
The widower was delighted. He felt his heart skip a beat.
Then she continued. "And I am so glad you called because I couldn't remember who asked me!"
This anniversary of their class the widower and the widow made a foursome with two other singles.
They had a wonderful evening, their spirits high, the widower throwing admiring glances across the table. The widow smiling coyly back at him.
Finally, he picked up courage to ask her, "Will you marry me?"
After about six seconds of careful consideration, she answered, "Yes, yes I will!"
The evening ended on a happy note for the widower. But the next morning he was troubled. Did she say "Yes" or did she say "No?" He couldn't remember. Try as he would, he just could not recall. He went over the conversation of the previous evening, but his mind was blank. He remembered asking the question, but for the life of him could not recall her response. With fear and trepidation he picked up the phone and called her.
First, he explained that he couldn't remember as well as he used to. Then he reviewed the past evening. As he gained a little more courage, he then inquired of her. "When I asked if you would marry me, did you say 'Yes' or did you say 'No?'"
"Why you silly man, I said, 'Yes. Yes I will.' And I meant it with all my heart."
The widower was delighted. He felt his heart skip a beat.
Then she continued. "And I am so glad you called because I couldn't remember who asked me!"
The Price the Founders Paid
On July 4, 1776, fifty-six delegates to the Second Continental Congress voted unanimously to approve the wording of the Declaration of Independence, which boldly stated,
"…these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown…"
The fifty-six men who signed the Declaration knew that they would be considered traitors to the crown and would likely become targets of the British army. They also knew they could become targets of their own neighbors, as not everyone in the colonies agreed there should be separation from the Empire.
Here are a few details, based on historical evidence, about some of those brave men…
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
SOURCE
Classmates, today we celebrate our nation’s birthday. I hope you will remember the bravery and sacrifices of the Founders. We should also pay tribute to all Americans who have paid, or are paying, a price for our freedom.
"…these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown…"
The fifty-six men who signed the Declaration knew that they would be considered traitors to the crown and would likely become targets of the British army. They also knew they could become targets of their own neighbors, as not everyone in the colonies agreed there should be separation from the Empire.
Here are a few details, based on historical evidence, about some of those brave men…
- Richard Stockton is believed to have been the only signer imprisoned by the British specifically for signing the Declaration of Independence.
- Four others were captured during the Revolutionary War while engaged in warfare against the crown and were held as prisoners.
- Seventeen held commissions in the army or did medical duty during the war. Many saw their properties and livelihoods destroyed while serving.
- Two would become President of the United States: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
SOURCE
Classmates, today we celebrate our nation’s birthday. I hope you will remember the bravery and sacrifices of the Founders. We should also pay tribute to all Americans who have paid, or are paying, a price for our freedom.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
"Small Steps" Chosen for NYC Exhibition Catalog "Stories We Tell"
"Small Steps," a triptych, was chosen for the exhibition catalog of "Stories We Tell," part of the Feminist Art Project. The juror for the NYC show at Phoenix Gallery is Jessica Porter, owner of Porter Contemporary, an art gallery in Chelsea.
The Women's Caucus for Art announces a national show, Stories We Tell, portraying the rich tradition of visual storytelling through women's voices. What What stories do we tell ourselves, make up about ourselves, tell others, or share with our families, friends and the larger world? What needs to be heard? Whether activist or abstract, we are seeking artwork that addresses your aesthetic, political, or philosophical perspectives. Storytelling is central to human existence, common to every known culture and women are usually the record-keepers and the storytellers of the family. We use spoken and visual narratives to make sense of our world and to share that understanding with others. Your story may be activist/political, a contemporary interpretation of an ancient myth, or based on personal or family stories.
Monday, June 24, 2013
A remembrance of Meridian great Oliver ‘Bill’ Buntin
MERIDIAN — It’s hard to explain 69-year-old Meridian native Jim Farmer’s excitement upon hearing a new story about his cousin, Oliver Buntin. Each legend is like a gift that brings back a memory of someone so stoic and untouchable; Farmer himself feels larger than life while listening.
More than 40 years after his cousin’s death, Farmer still makes his way out to North Meridian to visit his cousin, Barbara Bosarge, Oliver’s older sister. Thumbing through old photographs, like a child stirring through a candy jar, he pauses to ask Barbara about a particular picture. "This one, when was it taken? You mind if I take this one, too?"
Barbara nods, it’s the 13th photo Farmer has requested. This one is of a young Oliver – leaning back with his hands in his pockets.
"I like this one because you can see his biceps," Farmer said. "Man, you can tell he was a real tough guy."
To Farmer, Buntin is more than just a local legend –– he’s the epitome of manliness, the perfect combination of brute strength, confidence and compassion.
"You see these great people, the Herschel Walkers, Jackie Robinsons, Mickey Mantles – they all had that special something about them," Farmer explains. "Oliver had that, too. He was just one of those special people that come around once in a generation.
"I’ve always said his life would make a great movie; there are just so many parts to it. If not a movie, it would at least make a good book. People like him deserve to have their name and legacy shared forever. It’d make one heck of a book, and I’d like to be the one to write it."
Farmer has already begun to compile stories into a 51-page laminated spiral-bound notebook, fittingly colored royal blue and white to celebrate the former Meridian High School great.
The stories are typically short and are told in first person. Most are second-hand accounts Farmer received through people who knew Oliver best. Actually, Farmer had only a few encounters with the idol he holds so dear. Aside from the occasional Sunday afternoon spent at his cousin’s house, Farmer and Oliver hardly ever spoke. However, it was one of those magical encounters that has stayed with Farmer his whole life and now serves as the cornerstone of his interest in his cousin.
By far his favorite story of Oliver, Farmer still remembers the way his uncle Ol’s dairy farm looked one summer afternoon as he stood out in the pasture –along with his father, older brother and cousins, Bob and Oliver.
"There was a wild horse out on the horizon," Farmer starts, almost like he can see the action playing out again. "It didn’t have a bridle, halter… nothing. Bob, Oliver’s father, turns to Oliver and says ‘son catch that horse.’"
Farmer explains Oliver’s strained relationship with his father, whose demands were often daunting and punishments almost always severe.
"Oliver went up to the horse and threw his arm around the horse's neck, but it shook him off," Farmer continues. "Bob then looked over at Oliver and said, ‘Son, I said catch that damn horse.’
"With no rope, no bridle, nothing but his bare hands, he wrapped his arm around the horse's neck with one arm and grabbed it by its nostrils with his other. The next thing I knew, the horse was subdued. Oliver had put the horse on the ground."
The Legend
To this day, many Meridian natives still refer to Oliver Buntin as the best athlete Meridian High School has ever produced. A larger-than-average child, Buntin excelled in football, baseball, basketball and track while in high school. Those who knew him say if he would have played golf, tennis or any other sport he’d be the best at those as well. When asked later in life what spurred his athletic success, Buntin simply replied, "Shoot, you know I’m a terrible loser."
"He was almost like a celebrity," Bosarge said of her younger brother. "Even people who didn’t know him treated him like he was famous.
"All the girls loved him; he was quite popular with the ladies," she added.
Those who knew him say Buntin was practically unstoppable in his bright-white Corvette, racing through the streets of Meridian fast while going through women even faster.
Though he only lived to be 30 years old, Buntin married three times. However, it was just too hard to hold him down.
"I first met Oliver either in the summer of 1961, ’62 or ’63 and began running around with him," Meridian native Son Bryant told Farmer in the book he's writing. "… He was extremely bold. We would stop at red lights next to some girl on a date, and he would try and talk her into coming into the car with us, completely ignoring her date."
The Corvette was one of two purchases Buntin made after signing a professional baseball contract with the Chicago Cubs for $15,000 directly out of high school. The other purchase was a 14-foot boat equipped with a 50-horsepower motor.
Living life with a reckless abandonment was Buntin’s passion, and nothing brought him closer to that than his times on the water.
Upon first buying the boat, Buntin took a couple of friends down to the lake to show it off. The daredevil then proceeded to floor the engine and head straight towards telephone poles which were poking up from under the water, turning just in time to avoid collision. According to friend Billy Dorman, Buntin was able to pull the maneuver twice before smacking into a pole on his third attempt. With water quickly filling the boat, the fast-thinking Buntin ran the boat hard, forcing the water out the back until he could return the crew back to the banks safely.
Buntin would continue racing boats in tournaments across the nation. When the Cubs ordered him to stop racing as not to jeopardize his playing career, Buntin refused, opting to leave the team to continue racing.
Most of Buntin’s adventures came aboard a hydroplane boat named Miss Peg. Once aboard the Peg, Buntin let loose, often releasing a fearless approach – which earned him the nickname "Wild Bill" by those in the racing community.
During roll call before tournaments, the confident Buntin was known for calling out "Buntin's here and the Peg is honking."
"He was cocky in a good way," race enthusiast Joey Nolan said. "He was very confident in his ability and what he could do."
At no time was that confidence better demonstrated than during the Southland Regatta in St. Petersburg Fla., in February 1968.
Before the race, Buntin stood up in front of his competition, boasting if the other racers raced their hardest and their boats ran at their best, they could compete for second place. Sure enough, Buntin followed up on his proclamation, blowing past the field while setting a world record in the process. Buntin finished the three lap, 5-mile race with an average speed of 92.3 miles per hour, shattering the previous world record held by Skeeter Johnson aboard The WaWa 2 at 89.02 mph in 1966.
Later that night, in typical show-stopping fashion, Buntin drove his motorcycle into the lobby of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club during award ceremonies to claim his prize.
Five months later, Buntin took home the national championship in Tonawanda, N.Y.
The Man
Buntin’s flare for the dramatic triggered resentment by some. However, the people who knew him best remember him as a caring individual who helped those who needed it most.
In 1969, as Hurricane Camille tore up the Gulf Coast, Buntin loaded up his boat for a different cause. Buying as much baby formula and food as he could fit in the boat, he made his way down to Bay St. Louis determined to make a difference.
Upon arriving, he realized debris from the storm had blocked any entrance his boat had to reach the stranded survivors. However, not even that could stop him.
"He couldn’t get in too close to the stranded people, so he just waded in the water to get to them," said Bosarge, who accompanied Buntin on the trip. "Afterwards you should have seen him. He was bruised up and down from everything that crashed into him in the water."
Helping others was nothing new for Buntin. In the last few years of his life, he ran a construction business near New Orleans. A man of equal opportunity, Buntin gathered a group of outcast workers and gave them a fresh start with the job – making sure to teach them life lessons along the way.
"Oliver would hire men with troubled pasts," Bosarge said. "He could play poker like nobody else. On Friday nights, he would win all their money and give it back to them on Monday after the weekend to keep them out of trouble."
A former U.S. Marine, Buntin shared a strong loyalty with the people he held close. Long time friend Ben Matthews said despite his rugged appearance, Buntin had a heart of gold.
"He was larger than life, the size of a lumberjack and nerves of steel," Matthews said. "He was a friend all would like to have. With Bill, there was always a surprise."
The end years
Thirty years of struggle and a high-flying lifestyle seemed to harden Buntin. Despite all his successes, Bosarge said it always appeared her brother was searching in vain for happiness.
"It was like he was always looking for something," she said. "I think he thought all of the winning, the publicity, the center stage might fill that void, but it just didn’t."
It was Bosarge perhaps who knew her brother better than anyone else. However, years of being pitted against each other by their father while children left a lasting stain on their relationship.
Bosarge would often bake her brother pies for their meetings together, hoping only for a thank you that never seemed to come.
"It would drive me crazy," she said with a chuckle. "He would never say thank you for anything. All I wanted him to say was 'thank you,' and no matter what, he just wouldn’t say it."
They continued to remain close, however, as Bosarge would help Buntin take care of his three children, baby sitting his newborn boy, Sean, from time to time.
On Jan. 17 1970, Buntin made his way over to his sister’s house as she promised to take care of Sean while he took his stepson Michael out to see a movie. Buntin dropped off Sean and hurried back to his car just like he had done so many times before –– only, this time was different.
After getting back to the car, Buntin turned back around and headed towards the house. Surprised to hear a knock, Bosarge opened the door and questioned if her brother had left something behind. Buntin looked directly into her eyes, smiled and said "thank you," pausing for just a moment before turning back.
"That was a gift to me," Barbara said. "I was not expecting it at all."
Those two words would be the last he would share with his sister. Buntin died the next day of a conduction defect in his heart, slipping out of the world he lived in just as fast as he lived it.
Buntin is now buried in Gumlog Cemetery in Bailey, next to his mother and father. Above the name William Oliver Buntin on his tombstone reads simply "Bill", a reminder of his racing days and of the man some say few could catch and none could match.
"When I look back at his life, it’s just amazing all he accomplished in that short of time," Farmer said. "He did more in those 30 years than most people could ever do in a whole lifetime."
Tony Tsoukalas
The Meridian Star
More than 40 years after his cousin’s death, Farmer still makes his way out to North Meridian to visit his cousin, Barbara Bosarge, Oliver’s older sister. Thumbing through old photographs, like a child stirring through a candy jar, he pauses to ask Barbara about a particular picture. "This one, when was it taken? You mind if I take this one, too?"
Barbara nods, it’s the 13th photo Farmer has requested. This one is of a young Oliver – leaning back with his hands in his pockets.
"I like this one because you can see his biceps," Farmer said. "Man, you can tell he was a real tough guy."
To Farmer, Buntin is more than just a local legend –– he’s the epitome of manliness, the perfect combination of brute strength, confidence and compassion.
"You see these great people, the Herschel Walkers, Jackie Robinsons, Mickey Mantles – they all had that special something about them," Farmer explains. "Oliver had that, too. He was just one of those special people that come around once in a generation.
"I’ve always said his life would make a great movie; there are just so many parts to it. If not a movie, it would at least make a good book. People like him deserve to have their name and legacy shared forever. It’d make one heck of a book, and I’d like to be the one to write it."
Farmer has already begun to compile stories into a 51-page laminated spiral-bound notebook, fittingly colored royal blue and white to celebrate the former Meridian High School great.
The stories are typically short and are told in first person. Most are second-hand accounts Farmer received through people who knew Oliver best. Actually, Farmer had only a few encounters with the idol he holds so dear. Aside from the occasional Sunday afternoon spent at his cousin’s house, Farmer and Oliver hardly ever spoke. However, it was one of those magical encounters that has stayed with Farmer his whole life and now serves as the cornerstone of his interest in his cousin.
By far his favorite story of Oliver, Farmer still remembers the way his uncle Ol’s dairy farm looked one summer afternoon as he stood out in the pasture –along with his father, older brother and cousins, Bob and Oliver.
"There was a wild horse out on the horizon," Farmer starts, almost like he can see the action playing out again. "It didn’t have a bridle, halter… nothing. Bob, Oliver’s father, turns to Oliver and says ‘son catch that horse.’"
Farmer explains Oliver’s strained relationship with his father, whose demands were often daunting and punishments almost always severe.
"Oliver went up to the horse and threw his arm around the horse's neck, but it shook him off," Farmer continues. "Bob then looked over at Oliver and said, ‘Son, I said catch that damn horse.’
"With no rope, no bridle, nothing but his bare hands, he wrapped his arm around the horse's neck with one arm and grabbed it by its nostrils with his other. The next thing I knew, the horse was subdued. Oliver had put the horse on the ground."
The Legend
To this day, many Meridian natives still refer to Oliver Buntin as the best athlete Meridian High School has ever produced. A larger-than-average child, Buntin excelled in football, baseball, basketball and track while in high school. Those who knew him say if he would have played golf, tennis or any other sport he’d be the best at those as well. When asked later in life what spurred his athletic success, Buntin simply replied, "Shoot, you know I’m a terrible loser."
"He was almost like a celebrity," Bosarge said of her younger brother. "Even people who didn’t know him treated him like he was famous.
"All the girls loved him; he was quite popular with the ladies," she added.
Those who knew him say Buntin was practically unstoppable in his bright-white Corvette, racing through the streets of Meridian fast while going through women even faster.
Though he only lived to be 30 years old, Buntin married three times. However, it was just too hard to hold him down.
"I first met Oliver either in the summer of 1961, ’62 or ’63 and began running around with him," Meridian native Son Bryant told Farmer in the book he's writing. "… He was extremely bold. We would stop at red lights next to some girl on a date, and he would try and talk her into coming into the car with us, completely ignoring her date."
The Corvette was one of two purchases Buntin made after signing a professional baseball contract with the Chicago Cubs for $15,000 directly out of high school. The other purchase was a 14-foot boat equipped with a 50-horsepower motor.
Living life with a reckless abandonment was Buntin’s passion, and nothing brought him closer to that than his times on the water.
Upon first buying the boat, Buntin took a couple of friends down to the lake to show it off. The daredevil then proceeded to floor the engine and head straight towards telephone poles which were poking up from under the water, turning just in time to avoid collision. According to friend Billy Dorman, Buntin was able to pull the maneuver twice before smacking into a pole on his third attempt. With water quickly filling the boat, the fast-thinking Buntin ran the boat hard, forcing the water out the back until he could return the crew back to the banks safely.
Buntin would continue racing boats in tournaments across the nation. When the Cubs ordered him to stop racing as not to jeopardize his playing career, Buntin refused, opting to leave the team to continue racing.
Most of Buntin’s adventures came aboard a hydroplane boat named Miss Peg. Once aboard the Peg, Buntin let loose, often releasing a fearless approach – which earned him the nickname "Wild Bill" by those in the racing community.
During roll call before tournaments, the confident Buntin was known for calling out "Buntin's here and the Peg is honking."
"He was cocky in a good way," race enthusiast Joey Nolan said. "He was very confident in his ability and what he could do."
At no time was that confidence better demonstrated than during the Southland Regatta in St. Petersburg Fla., in February 1968.
Before the race, Buntin stood up in front of his competition, boasting if the other racers raced their hardest and their boats ran at their best, they could compete for second place. Sure enough, Buntin followed up on his proclamation, blowing past the field while setting a world record in the process. Buntin finished the three lap, 5-mile race with an average speed of 92.3 miles per hour, shattering the previous world record held by Skeeter Johnson aboard The WaWa 2 at 89.02 mph in 1966.
Later that night, in typical show-stopping fashion, Buntin drove his motorcycle into the lobby of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club during award ceremonies to claim his prize.
Five months later, Buntin took home the national championship in Tonawanda, N.Y.
The Man
Buntin’s flare for the dramatic triggered resentment by some. However, the people who knew him best remember him as a caring individual who helped those who needed it most.
In 1969, as Hurricane Camille tore up the Gulf Coast, Buntin loaded up his boat for a different cause. Buying as much baby formula and food as he could fit in the boat, he made his way down to Bay St. Louis determined to make a difference.
Upon arriving, he realized debris from the storm had blocked any entrance his boat had to reach the stranded survivors. However, not even that could stop him.
"He couldn’t get in too close to the stranded people, so he just waded in the water to get to them," said Bosarge, who accompanied Buntin on the trip. "Afterwards you should have seen him. He was bruised up and down from everything that crashed into him in the water."
Helping others was nothing new for Buntin. In the last few years of his life, he ran a construction business near New Orleans. A man of equal opportunity, Buntin gathered a group of outcast workers and gave them a fresh start with the job – making sure to teach them life lessons along the way.
"Oliver would hire men with troubled pasts," Bosarge said. "He could play poker like nobody else. On Friday nights, he would win all their money and give it back to them on Monday after the weekend to keep them out of trouble."
A former U.S. Marine, Buntin shared a strong loyalty with the people he held close. Long time friend Ben Matthews said despite his rugged appearance, Buntin had a heart of gold.
"He was larger than life, the size of a lumberjack and nerves of steel," Matthews said. "He was a friend all would like to have. With Bill, there was always a surprise."
The end years
Thirty years of struggle and a high-flying lifestyle seemed to harden Buntin. Despite all his successes, Bosarge said it always appeared her brother was searching in vain for happiness.
"It was like he was always looking for something," she said. "I think he thought all of the winning, the publicity, the center stage might fill that void, but it just didn’t."
It was Bosarge perhaps who knew her brother better than anyone else. However, years of being pitted against each other by their father while children left a lasting stain on their relationship.
Bosarge would often bake her brother pies for their meetings together, hoping only for a thank you that never seemed to come.
"It would drive me crazy," she said with a chuckle. "He would never say thank you for anything. All I wanted him to say was 'thank you,' and no matter what, he just wouldn’t say it."
They continued to remain close, however, as Bosarge would help Buntin take care of his three children, baby sitting his newborn boy, Sean, from time to time.
On Jan. 17 1970, Buntin made his way over to his sister’s house as she promised to take care of Sean while he took his stepson Michael out to see a movie. Buntin dropped off Sean and hurried back to his car just like he had done so many times before –– only, this time was different.
After getting back to the car, Buntin turned back around and headed towards the house. Surprised to hear a knock, Bosarge opened the door and questioned if her brother had left something behind. Buntin looked directly into her eyes, smiled and said "thank you," pausing for just a moment before turning back.
"That was a gift to me," Barbara said. "I was not expecting it at all."
Those two words would be the last he would share with his sister. Buntin died the next day of a conduction defect in his heart, slipping out of the world he lived in just as fast as he lived it.
Buntin is now buried in Gumlog Cemetery in Bailey, next to his mother and father. Above the name William Oliver Buntin on his tombstone reads simply "Bill", a reminder of his racing days and of the man some say few could catch and none could match.
"When I look back at his life, it’s just amazing all he accomplished in that short of time," Farmer said. "He did more in those 30 years than most people could ever do in a whole lifetime."
(Click Photo to Enlarge)
passes Frank Kossow in the Miss Ottawa
en route to the 1968 national championship in Tonawanda, N.Y.
_______________
June 23, 2013 Tony Tsoukalas
The Meridian Star
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Arnold Ozell Reeder, Brother of Maxine Reeder Strickland
Arnold Ozell Reeder, age 78, of LaGrange, Texas passed away while on vacation in Tijuana, Mexico on Thursday April 18, 2013.
Ozell was born on Sunday, April 14, 1935 in Meridian, Mississippi to Arnold Lee and Flora Reeder. After achieving his Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering, Ozell worked as an aeronautical engineer for North American Aviation in Downey, California for about 20 years. He was a country boy to the bone and enjoyed spending his time in the woods, hunting for squirrel and rabbit, fishing for bass and catfish, and just enjoying the beauty of nature. Ozell traveled the world learning all he could about different cultures and traditions.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Daniel Lee Reeder and his sister Gayle Hayes. Ozell is survived by his brother, Jerry (Janie) Reeder of Hemet, California; sister, Maxine (Bill) Strickland of LaGrange. Texas; sister, Cathy Philbin of Houston, Texas; and several loving Aunts and Uncles, Nieces and Nephews and very close friends.
Ozell will be laid to rest during a private family gathering at a later date. Ozell touched many lives and will be truly missed by all those who were honored to know him and who loved him.
SOURCE: Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory , Hemet, CA 92543
________________________________________
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 them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Ozell was born on Sunday, April 14, 1935 in Meridian, Mississippi to Arnold Lee and Flora Reeder. After achieving his Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering, Ozell worked as an aeronautical engineer for North American Aviation in Downey, California for about 20 years. He was a country boy to the bone and enjoyed spending his time in the woods, hunting for squirrel and rabbit, fishing for bass and catfish, and just enjoying the beauty of nature. Ozell traveled the world learning all he could about different cultures and traditions.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Daniel Lee Reeder and his sister Gayle Hayes. Ozell is survived by his brother, Jerry (Janie) Reeder of Hemet, California; sister, Maxine (Bill) Strickland of LaGrange. Texas; sister, Cathy Philbin of Houston, Texas; and several loving Aunts and Uncles, Nieces and Nephews and very close friends.
Ozell will be laid to rest during a private family gathering at a later date. Ozell touched many lives and will be truly missed by all those who were honored to know him and who loved him.
SOURCE: Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory , Hemet, CA 92543
________________________________________
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 them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Friday, March 22, 2013
Louis Anthony "Tony" Holt
TUSCALOOSA Louis A. “Tony” Holt of Tuscaloosa passed away March 20, 2013, at Hospice of West Alabama after a brief illness.
Tony was born in Meridian, Mississippi on December 9, 1940, to Mary Louise and James E. Holt. He was educated at St. Aloysius Catholic School and Meridian High School. Upon graduation, he completed two years at Meridian Junior College.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Arthur Holt.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Martina Ward Holt; his daughters, Margery Lynn Hartley (Ken) of Tuscaloosa, Elizabeth Michele Holt-Shannon (Mark) of Dover, N.H., and Virginia Holt Offer (Tom) of Atlanta, Ga.; his son, Martin Anthony Holt (Alison) of Tuscaloosa; his 10 grandchildren, Sara Elizabeth Hartley, Noa Grace Holt-Shannon, Blake Ward Hartley, Olivia Ann Holt-Shannon, Stella Elizabeth Holt, Augustus Finley Holt, Charles McGowan Offer, Ann Louise Holt, Sullivan Francis Offer, and Louis Martin Holt; his brothers, William E. Holt (Midy) of Tuscaloosa and Newell Lee Holt (Ruth) of Sanford, Fla.; his sister-in-law, Jean Holt of Birmingham; and a multitude of family and wonderful friends.
Tony worked for 26 years as a Computer Videotape Editor at the Center for Public Television at the University of Alabama. There he edited many documentaries and musical productions. He and his associates received multiple awards through the years for their work. He also developed an interest in recording devices and equipment that led to his retirement job as a consultant for churches and schools in need of equipment and advice. His favorite recording job was with the Sucarnochee Revue, a public radio program produced by Jacky Jack White, recorded in Livingston, Ala. and at the Temple Theater in Meridian, Miss. He also recorded the show when Mississippi Public Radio produced a series of Sucarnochee Revue performances for public television.
Tony was an avid musician who taught himself to play drums at the age of 14 and spent the next 50 years playing music with various groups, among them his high school group, The Jokers; Ron Smith, a jazz pianist in Tuscaloosa during the sixties; South, another local band during the seventies, including good friend Joe Terry; and various groupings with well-known Tuscaloosa musicians Carol Hennessey, Dave Brown, Jerome Hopkins, and George Winter. Tony also enjoyed a family tradition of playing drums with the band at many of his nieces' and nephews' weddings. Most recently, he played every Monday night for fun with a group of local musicians and had been teaching himself to play the guitar for about two years.
A Funeral Mass and a celebration of his life will be 12 noon Saturday, March 23, 2013, at St. Francis Catholic Church, 811 5th Ave., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, with Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. The family will receive visitors beginning at 11 a.m. at the church.
Honorary pallbearers are members of Tony's high school band The Jokers: Jimmy Lewis, Louis Bailey, Charles Bailey, Sonny Roth, Denny Powers, and Jimmy May.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Catholic Social Services of West Alabama, 608 James Harrison Jr. Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405.
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 Tony, 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.
Tony was born in Meridian, Mississippi on December 9, 1940, to Mary Louise and James E. Holt. He was educated at St. Aloysius Catholic School and Meridian High School. Upon graduation, he completed two years at Meridian Junior College.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Arthur Holt.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Martina Ward Holt; his daughters, Margery Lynn Hartley (Ken) of Tuscaloosa, Elizabeth Michele Holt-Shannon (Mark) of Dover, N.H., and Virginia Holt Offer (Tom) of Atlanta, Ga.; his son, Martin Anthony Holt (Alison) of Tuscaloosa; his 10 grandchildren, Sara Elizabeth Hartley, Noa Grace Holt-Shannon, Blake Ward Hartley, Olivia Ann Holt-Shannon, Stella Elizabeth Holt, Augustus Finley Holt, Charles McGowan Offer, Ann Louise Holt, Sullivan Francis Offer, and Louis Martin Holt; his brothers, William E. Holt (Midy) of Tuscaloosa and Newell Lee Holt (Ruth) of Sanford, Fla.; his sister-in-law, Jean Holt of Birmingham; and a multitude of family and wonderful friends.
Tony worked for 26 years as a Computer Videotape Editor at the Center for Public Television at the University of Alabama. There he edited many documentaries and musical productions. He and his associates received multiple awards through the years for their work. He also developed an interest in recording devices and equipment that led to his retirement job as a consultant for churches and schools in need of equipment and advice. His favorite recording job was with the Sucarnochee Revue, a public radio program produced by Jacky Jack White, recorded in Livingston, Ala. and at the Temple Theater in Meridian, Miss. He also recorded the show when Mississippi Public Radio produced a series of Sucarnochee Revue performances for public television.
Tony was an avid musician who taught himself to play drums at the age of 14 and spent the next 50 years playing music with various groups, among them his high school group, The Jokers; Ron Smith, a jazz pianist in Tuscaloosa during the sixties; South, another local band during the seventies, including good friend Joe Terry; and various groupings with well-known Tuscaloosa musicians Carol Hennessey, Dave Brown, Jerome Hopkins, and George Winter. Tony also enjoyed a family tradition of playing drums with the band at many of his nieces' and nephews' weddings. Most recently, he played every Monday night for fun with a group of local musicians and had been teaching himself to play the guitar for about two years.
A Funeral Mass and a celebration of his life will be 12 noon Saturday, March 23, 2013, at St. Francis Catholic Church, 811 5th Ave., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, with Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. The family will receive visitors beginning at 11 a.m. at the church.
Honorary pallbearers are members of Tony's high school band The Jokers: Jimmy Lewis, Louis Bailey, Charles Bailey, Sonny Roth, Denny Powers, and Jimmy May.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Catholic Social Services of West Alabama, 608 James Harrison Jr. Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405.
Published in Tuscaloosa News on March 22, 2013
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
O
God our Father, Creator of all the living,
we entrust to
Your gentle careall 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 Tony, 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.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Tony Holt
Tony Holt our Sucarnochee Revue recording engineer passed away today in Tuscaloosa. Tony possessed humility coupled with extraordinary ability. He was a longtime recording expert for Alabama Public Radio and Television, a pioneer rock'n'rol...l drummer who played all genres, and a devoted family man and loyal friend. The Revue was beyond blessed to have him on board for all these years. We shared a ton of good times and weathered a few storms together. Already we miss you greatly, dear Pal.
Source: Jacky Jack White FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/jacky.j.white
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Amtrak to NYC
My cousin Denise Markline Dengler and I took a sleeper on Amtrak to NYC recently in order to attend the opening reception of the exhibition "Bound" at Phoenix Gallery in Chelsea in NYC, where my painting "Corinthian White" was hanging. 24 works were chosen by Cora Rosevear, Curator at Museum of Modern Art. The title of the painting is the commercial color name of the wall paint (Picasso also used house paint - ha); I am concerned with the idea of what a painting should be. I managed to get a good photo of the Jefferson and Washington Monuments as we passed through Washington, but didn't react quickly enough to get the Capitol, though the train passed very close by. Denise said, "Let's do this while we still can," and I'm glad we went.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Jimmie Rogers Parade 1957 or 58
(Photo provided by Jere Skelton)
CLICK IMAGE TO SEE ALL OF IT
Driver - Bobby Joe
(Big Red) Stewart, shotgun Bill (Chubby) Ross.
On top L - R, Jere (Mahony) Skelton, my cuz Bill Johnson, Bobby Kyle, Jerry (Skyty) Gurney, Ducey Warren and Ray Crawford
On top L - R, Jere (Mahony) Skelton, my cuz Bill Johnson, Bobby Kyle, Jerry (Skyty) Gurney, Ducey Warren and Ray Crawford
So how many GREAT grandchildren do you have?
Great Grandchildren of Minor Smith
Hannah and Alexandria Permenter
Bill Tatum has 2, ages 6 and 8
Martha Hopkins has 1,
Mason Camp, almost 5 months old
Hannah and Alexandria Permenter
Bill Tatum has 2, ages 6 and 8
Martha Hopkins has 1,
Mason Camp, almost 5 months old
Jinny Walz has 1 on the way
due by September 30th
due by September 30th
Bob and Amanda Bailey have 9 grandchildren,
7 here and 2 were called by God in 2000 and 2003
to dwell with Him in the
heavenly places.
Annie Kinkead Dent---17 Denver, CO
Hayes Dent III---16 Yazoo City, MS
Cary Dent---15 Denver
Margaret Dent---14 Yazoo City
Knox Dent---13 Denver
Kindead Dent---12 Yazoo City
John Montfort Jones---30 Leland, MS
Maggie Jones---With the Lord since January 2, 2000. She was 15.
Annie Kinkead Dent---17 Denver, CO
Hayes Dent III---16 Yazoo City, MS
Cary Dent---15 Denver
Margaret Dent---14 Yazoo City
Knox Dent---13 Denver
Kindead Dent---12 Yazoo City
John Montfort Jones---30 Leland, MS
Maggie Jones---With the Lord since January 2, 2000. She was 15.
Stokes Jones---With the Lord since August 31, 2003. He was 22.
Dotty Pigott Garrett has 2 with 3rd on way
Branson Reynolds, 3 1/2 and Justin Michael Bynam, 2 months
Patsy and Louis McDonald have 3,
Dotty Pigott Garrett has 2 with 3rd on way
Branson Reynolds, 3 1/2 and Justin Michael Bynam, 2 months
Patsy and Louis McDonald have 3,
Megan age 12,
Coey age 8, and Brittany age 15
Tommy Glover has 2,
Tommy Glover has 2,
Peyton
age 8 and Pryce age 5
Jere Skelton has 4,
Cole Laird 6, Luke Laird 4, Kenna Laird 4
and Grayson Skelton (just arrived)
Cole Laird 6, Luke Laird 4, Kenna Laird 4
and Grayson Skelton (just arrived)
Mary McLemore Weaver has 1,
great granddaughter who is 3
Carolyn Falcon has 28,
great grandchildren
33 grandchildren
and 12 children
Pansy Mosby has 5
great grandchildren
Beth Hobgood Clark has 10
great grandchildren
4 boys (Austin 7, Blake 5, Bryson 4, Damien 3)
6 girles (Anna 6, Savanna 6, Ryleigh 1, Mackenzie 5, Macey 3, Violet 1).
The two due in June are girls.
(Continue to send great grandchildren info for posting here)
great granddaughter who is 3
Carolyn Falcon has 28,
great grandchildren
33 grandchildren
and 12 children
Pansy Mosby has 5
great grandchildren
Beth Hobgood Clark has 10
great grandchildren
4 boys (Austin 7, Blake 5, Bryson 4, Damien 3)
6 girles (Anna 6, Savanna 6, Ryleigh 1, Mackenzie 5, Macey 3, Violet 1).
The two due in June are girls.
(Continue to send great grandchildren info for posting here)
Guy Winston Rawson, III, Son of Pansy McCarra Mosby
February 25, 2013
Guy Winston Rawson, III
MERIDIAN —
Memorial services for Guy Winston Rawson, III will be held today at 4 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home.
Mr. Rawson, 53, of Meridian, died Saturday at Rush Hospital.
He is survived by his son, Guy Winston Rawson, IV; daughter, Virginia L. Harmon; grandchildren, Guy Winston Rawson, V; Lee Harmon, Sara Belle Harmon, James B. Harmon, II, and Elijah C. Harmon; mother, Pansy Mosby; brothers, Steve Rawson and Charlie McCarra; and sister, Jennifer Davis.
He is preceded in death by his father, Guy Winston Rawson, Jr.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.jamesfwebb.com
-------------------------------------------
Eternal rest grant unto Guy Winston Rawson, III, 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.
Memorial services for Guy Winston Rawson, III will be held today at 4 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home.
Mr. Rawson, 53, of Meridian, died Saturday at Rush Hospital.
He is survived by his son, Guy Winston Rawson, IV; daughter, Virginia L. Harmon; grandchildren, Guy Winston Rawson, V; Lee Harmon, Sara Belle Harmon, James B. Harmon, II, and Elijah C. Harmon; mother, Pansy Mosby; brothers, Steve Rawson and Charlie McCarra; and sister, Jennifer Davis.
He is preceded in death by his father, Guy Winston Rawson, Jr.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.jamesfwebb.com
-------------------------------------------
Eternal rest grant unto Guy Winston Rawson, III, 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.
Friday, February 22, 2013
This is Our Shirley
SHIRLEY AND HER DAUGHTERS
(click photo to enlarge)
(click photo to enlarge)
The following was copied from Shirley's memory book on the funeral home site, found here. This is the Shirley we know and love - this is the Shirley we will remember:
"Everyone at Azalea Gardens will miss Shirley stopping by to visit her sister Annette. Our last memory of Shirley was at our Valentine's Day dance on Thursday the 14th where she danced the afternoon away with her sister, staff and residents! We all had a great time and are truly thankful she spent the afternoon with us! Everyone here will miss her dearly."
Posted by: Lori. Hannah - Oxford , MS - friend of Shirely and Annette Feb 20, 2013
4th Grade, Stevenson School
CLICK PHOTO TO SEE FULL PICTURE
Front row: Barbara Shirley, Patsy Bradley, Judy McKellar, Jean Cunningham, Billy Manny, Shirley Broadhead, Marianne Stuart, Kathleen Bustin
Second row:
Stanford Daniels, Martin Reese, Harriet Blum, Judy Houseman, Phyllis Beckman, James Slay, Gail Dennis, ?, Patricia Gulley, Miss Phillips
Third row:
William Betts, David Barrett, Wendell Cook, Harry Vorhaben, John Loomis, Roland Davis, ?, John Vorhaben, ?, ?
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Shirley Broadhead Turner Hamilton
Shirley Broadhead Turner Hamilton
MERIDIAN —
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memorial services for Shirley Broadhead Turner Hamilton will be held Friday, at 1 p.m., at Independent Presbyterian Church, Memphis. Canale Funeral Directors of Memphis is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Hamilton, 72, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, after suffering a brain hemorrhage due to a fall. Her kind spirit, generosity and exuberance for life touched everyone she met. Her upbeat personality and outstanding humor made her hard to forget. She was raised in Meridian, Miss., and attended the University of Mississippi. Following college, she earned a master’s degree at Memphis State University and remained in Memphis for the next four decades. During that time, she held a variety of positions in both the education and legal communities. Likewise, she was a committed volunteer for Les Passes, the Memphis Symphony, the Memphis Opera and more. In recent years, she moved to Oxford, Miss., where she attended First Baptist Church, participated in the Republican Women’s League and reconnected with college friends. Her lifelong passion for entertaining and traveling were rivaled only by her love of raising her two daughters.
Survivors include her daughters: Alex Turner and Christian Turner, both of Memphis; her husband, Jerry Hamilton of Oxford, Miss.; and, sisters: Annette Broadhead Farmer of Oxford, Miss., and Dolly Broadhead Pittman of Jackson, Miss.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Virdie Broadhead; and, her brothers: Norris (Martha) Broadhead, and Paul (Sherry) Broadhead.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to a charity of your choice.
--------------------------------
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 Shirley, 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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memorial services for Shirley Broadhead Turner Hamilton will be held Friday, at 1 p.m., at Independent Presbyterian Church, Memphis. Canale Funeral Directors of Memphis is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Hamilton, 72, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, after suffering a brain hemorrhage due to a fall. Her kind spirit, generosity and exuberance for life touched everyone she met. Her upbeat personality and outstanding humor made her hard to forget. She was raised in Meridian, Miss., and attended the University of Mississippi. Following college, she earned a master’s degree at Memphis State University and remained in Memphis for the next four decades. During that time, she held a variety of positions in both the education and legal communities. Likewise, she was a committed volunteer for Les Passes, the Memphis Symphony, the Memphis Opera and more. In recent years, she moved to Oxford, Miss., where she attended First Baptist Church, participated in the Republican Women’s League and reconnected with college friends. Her lifelong passion for entertaining and traveling were rivaled only by her love of raising her two daughters.
Survivors include her daughters: Alex Turner and Christian Turner, both of Memphis; her husband, Jerry Hamilton of Oxford, Miss.; and, sisters: Annette Broadhead Farmer of Oxford, Miss., and Dolly Broadhead Pittman of Jackson, Miss.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Virdie Broadhead; and, her brothers: Norris (Martha) Broadhead, and Paul (Sherry) Broadhead.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to a charity of your choice.
--------------------------------
O
God our Father, Creator of all the living,
we entrust to Your gentle
careall those we love who have gone before us;
and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again.
Eternal rest, grant unto Shirley, 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.
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