Hattiesburg American

Riggs, Frank E. Jr., passed away peacefully Sunday, April 3, 2022, comforted by the unfailing love of his family and the forgiving grace of his Lord, Jesus Christ. He was 73 years old and he left us after a life well lived and looking forward to what comes next. A private cremation service with the immediate family will be held and a memorial service is scheduled for Monday, April 11 at 1PM at the Peachtree Presbyterian Church Sanctuary. Frank is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Bethany Brock Riggs, who was when he met her in college and remained so until he drew his last breath, his best friend, as well as the smartest and most beautiful woman he ever knew. He also is survived by...

Riggs, Frank E. Jr., passed away peacefully Sunday, April 3, 2022, comforted by the unfailing love of his family and the forgiving grace of his Lord, Jesus Christ. He was 73 years old and he left us after a life well lived and looking forward to what comes next. A private cremation service with the immediate family will be held and a memorial service is scheduled for Monday, April 11 at 1PM at the Peachtree Presbyterian Church Sanctuary. Frank is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Bethany Brock Riggs, who was when he met her in college and remained so until he drew his last breath, his best friend, as well as the smartest and most beautiful woman he ever knew. He also is survived by...

Riggs, Frank E. Jr., passed away peacefully Sunday, April 3, 2022, comforted by the unfailing love of his family and the forgiving grace of his Lord, Jesus Christ. He was 73 years old and he left us after a life well lived and looking forward to what comes next. A private cremation service with the immediate family will be held and a memorial service is scheduled for Monday, April 11 at 1PM at the Peachtree Presbyterian Church Sanctuary. Frank is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Bethany Brock Riggs, who was when he met her in college and remained so until he drew his last breath, his best friend, as well as the smartest and most beautiful woman he ever knew. He also is survived by...

Columbia, SC - Mary Cole Maples, 84, passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022. She was born October 9, 1937, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She was the daughter of Jeptha Newton Cole and Mae Cameron Cole. Mary is a 1959 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi where she majored in Institutional Management. After graduation, she was commissioned in the United States Army. She received her commission in the United States Army at Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. She completed her dietetic internship and was honorably discharged as First Lieutenant in the Army in 1962. Mary gained a wide range of experience in clinical and administrative dietetics while...

Dr. William Clair "Bill" Baker, passed away at his home in Oxford, MS on November 30, 2021, at the age of 91. The service will be held at Oxford University United Methodist Church on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 2:00 P.M. with visitation one hour before at 1:00 P.M. in the Atrium of the church. There will also be visitation on Thursday from 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. in the Atrium of Oxford University United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Oxford Memorial Cemetery. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Born in Louisville, MS to the late Helen Hathorn Baker and William Held Baker, Bill grew up in Macon, MS and graduated from Macon High School. He earned a BS in Chemistry from...

Dr. Stacy E. Weger, age 59, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on the evening of Saturday, October 16, 2021. Born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1961, Stacy was a beloved son, brother, friend, uncle, and father. A gifted musician and esteemed professor, he touched the lives of thousands of students through music, serving as a high school choir director (Forest, Mississippi), the musical director of the Austin Boys Choir, and Chair of Music, Director of Choral Activities, and Professor Emeritus at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Stacy was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Allen Harrison Weger. Survivors include his two daughters, Elizabeth Garster (Zachary) and...

Michael Ray Eubanks, of Lumberton, Mississippi, died on Saturday, August 21, 2021, after a lengthy and valiant battle with cancer. He died peacefully at home with his loving wife and children around him. Mike was born on September 21, 1940, to Michael Joseph Eubanks and Nell Elizabeth Bass in Lumberton where he lived most of his life. He went to Lumberton Elementary School and Phillips Academy High School in Andover, Massachusetts. He graduated from Tulane University with a B.B.A. in 1962 and Tulane Law School with a J.D. in 1965. He then moved back to Lumberton to open his own law practice. After nearly two decades as a successful attorney, he ran for Circuit Judge of the 15th Judicial...

Madalene Burbage Daniell, 67, of Hattiesburg, MS passed away Thursday August 5, 2021 at Ocean Springs Hospital. Mrs. Daniell served mothers and their babies in the Pinebelt through her Fitness for Two Pregnancy and Mommie & Me classes for over forty years. She was also intricately involved in the operation of Daniell Motors, which was started by her husband in 1978. She was known for her green thumb and her gorgeous flower beds at the business and her home. Her favorite times were family gatherings where she was lovingly known as Nana. Her faith and following of Jesus Christ were interwoven into all of these things, along with her love of dance, music, and the lives of so many that she...

Funeral services for Mr. William "Bill" Russell Larson, Sr. Senior Master Sergeant (RET) will begin at 11:30 a.m. Monday, June 7, 2021 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Sephus Garrett officiating. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the MS Veterans Cemetery in Newton, MS with full military honors. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. Mr. Larson, 72, of Meridian, passed away May 29, 2021 at Anderson Regional Medical Center of Meridian. Bill was a loving, passionate, and caring husband, father, brother, grandfather, and son. He was a true southern gentleman who had a passion for cars, sports, and his country. He...

Swepson Smith Taylor, III, services will be held for Swep Taylor, 72, at 11 am, on Friday, June 4, 2021, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Brentwood, TN. Swep passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021, at St. Thomas West Hospital after a brief illness. Swepson Smith Taylor, III was born in Jackson, MS, on October 10, 1948, to Swepson Smith Taylor, Jr. and Margaret Black Taylor. Growing up in Jackson, he graduated from Murrah High School in 1967. Swep received his bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, in Hattiesburg, MS. After completing his education, Swep and his family moved to Nashville, TN, in 1976. Swep moved to Brentwood with Claudette in 1998...

TUPELO - On Sunday morning, William Jay "Bill" Bryson transitioned from this life to his eternal life in Paradise privately, quietly, and without fanfare, as he had lived his 43 years in this realm, from his residence in downtown Tupelo. Bill, interesting and eclectic, was born in Tupelo on December 29, 1977 into the Bryson, a pioneer Lee County family and the Lux family, natives of Pennsylvania. His parents are William Patrick "Pat" Bryson and Dr. Mary Frances Lux. Bill lived in Tupelo and Bruce much of his growing up years but moved to Hattiesburg during his High School days attending Hattiesburg High School. He attended Mississippi State University where he studied Architecture...

Attorney Elden W. Butzbaugh, Jr., 83, of St. Joseph, died at his home on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. A funeral service will be held on Monday February 22, 2021, at 1pm, at First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, February 21, 2021, from 2pm until 5pm, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to The University of Michigan Law School, Western Michigan University Trustee Fountain or St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Rotary Track Meet. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Elden is survived by his...

PETAL / TUPELO - Mother, artist, teacher, and though she would never admit it, avid talker, Elizabeth "Beti" Ann DuGard passed away on the morning of December 7, 2020, after valiantly refusing to let COPD rule her life. Born in Tupelo, MS on December 2, 1939, she never met Elvis, but supposedly rode in one of his cars with a group of people. Besides her brushes with rock-n-roll royalty, Beti spent her life teaching, first as an art Instructor at Union College, then as an art teacher at Tupelo High School, as a counselor at Thomas Street Elementary, and finally as a history teacher at Tupelo Middle School. Beti was a passionate artist who especially loved flowers (Queen Ann's Lace, being...

Dr. Rowland Patrick Welsh, 76, suddenly passed onto his next adventure Saturday, November 14, 2020, at his home in Jackson. His wife, Jean Richardson Welsh, was holding his hand. Pat was born July 31, 1944, in Hattiesburg, to the late Fulton and Dorothy " Dot" Welsh. A 1962 honor graduate of Hattiesburg High School, Pat was on the basketball team, a class officer, and was voted Most Handsome. In recent years, Pat and Jean could often be found out on the town in Hattiesburg with their "Class of '62 Faithfuls". Pat went on to the University of Southern Mississippi. There he fell in love with Jean, and the two were rarely apart in the five decades to followed. At USM Pat was very active in...

Arnold L. "Pud" Smith, 91, of Purvis (formerly of Lumberton), passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 in Forrest General Hospital. Mr. Smith was born January 24, 1929 in Brooklyn, Mississippi to Chasie and Claudia Smith. He was an alumnus of Lumberton High School and the University of Southern Mississippi. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean War. "Pud" was the owner of A.L. Smith Oil Company in Lumberton and Wiggins. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Lumberton. Mr. Smith was a retired Director of The First, a National Banking Association in south Mississippi. He was the Mayor of Lumberton and had previously served in numerous civic...

Mr. Johnny Robert Folks, age 67, of Petal, Mississippi passed away Saturday, September 19, 2020 in Meridian surrounded by his family. Robert was a follower of Jesus Christ and went on many mission trips in North America. He was a skilled tile setter and took great pride in his work. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee and great conversation. Robert loved his family dearly. He is survived by his children, Wyndy Weems (Robbie) of Vincent, Alabama, Stephanie Mitchell (Quentin) of Meridian, Jeremy Folks of Hattiesburg, and Jonathan Folks of Hattiesburg; his grandchildren, Christian and Olivia Weems, and Peyton, John Isaac, Adeline, and Ananias Mitchell; and his siblings, Linda Burns of...

Dora "Joy" Ross Baggett died Tuesday July 7, 2020 at St. Catherine's Village in Madison, MS. She was 89 years old. Born and raised in Hattiesburg MS, she was the daughter of Robert Mars and Kathleen Sanders Ross. She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene D. Baggett. She is survived by her daughters, Lynn May and Martha Orcutt (Eddie), her grandsons, Jeffrey May, Patrick May, Daniel May, James Orcutt (Sheila), John Orcutt (Heidi), Stephen Orcutt and Robert Orcutt. One great-grandson Ryan Mulhovo. Visitation will be held at St Richard Catholic Church in Jackson, MS at 9:00 am Friday, July 10, 2020 followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 am. There will be a graveside service at...

Shirley Mae Bauman Castleberry, devoted Wife, Mother, and Grandmother died on Friday, July 3, 2020 in her 88th year. She was a resident of Poplarville, MS. Mrs. Castleberry was born July 22, 1931 in Grover, CO to John Harold Bauman and Bonnie Eva Kane Bauman. She moved to Mississippi from Wyoming in 1989; a homemaker; and a member of First Baptist Church, Poplarville. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Kelly Castleberry; two siblings, Darold Bauman and Ann Bauman. Family members include one daughter, Lynn Castleberry; two sons, Richard Castleberry of Wyoming, John Castleberry of North Dakota; eight grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren....

Carolyn Breland Ray died Monday, June 29, 2020. She was 84. A native of Hattiesburg, MS and born October 23, 1935, she was raised in Tylertown, which she called home. She was the daughter of the late Roland and Birdie Starling Breland. She attended LSU and received her Master's in Education from Mississippi College. Thereafter, she attended Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. While there, a highlight was meeting and participating in many conversations with Billy Graham. She accepted the position as Baptist Student Union Director at Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, VA. While in Virginia, she met her future husband, Wilson Ray, and began a teacher career in...

George David Herrin, 85, passed away June 15, 2020. Born November 13, 1934, in Collins, MS, David attended Salem High School and Jones County Community College. He left Collins to join the Army and was stationed in Alaska and Texas. David had a career in the financial industry. He retired from Financial Services of Mississippi after 20 years. Not being one to just sit around the house, David worked part time as a security guard. Unfortunately, it was his hard work ethic that led to his fatality. David was preceded in death by: parents, Ray and Mildred Herrin and son, Mike. Survivors include: daughter, Tara of Birmingham; nieces, Donna Allen and Paula McCullough both of Denham...

Elsie Thompson Read went to her eternal home on April 24, 2020. A private family graveside was held in Hollywood cemetery. Rev. Jonathan Crabtree officiated. Hartman-Jones Funeral Home of McComb was in charge of the arrangements. Elsie was born on Feb. 22, 1933 in McComb, MS. She graduated from McComb High School in 1951 then went on to attend Southwest Community College in Summit, MS. Elsie retired from Entex (Centerpoint Energy) after 32 years. She was a founding member of Asbury UMC in Petal, MS and enjoyed attending the JOY (just older youth) Group. Elsie was preceded in death by her daughter Lisa Marie, husband John, mother Kate Roberts Thompson, and father Lee Thompson, sisters Clara...