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Obituaries 09/13/18

F.D. “Buddy” East


OXFORD—Sheriff F. D. “Buddy” East, 75, died Saturday, September 8, 2018, in Baptist Memorial Hospital—North Mississippi at Oxford.

The funeral service will be held Friday, September 14, at 11 a.m. in North Oxford Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Bain and Rev. Fish Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, September 13, from 2-8 pm. in North Oxford Baptist Church, and again prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. at the church. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

A native of Lafayette County, Buddy faithfully served his community as the longest tenured sheriff in Mississippi. Prior to his fist term as Lafayette County Sheriff in 1972, Buddy served as the Assistant Chief of Police for the Oxford Police Department. 

Throughout his long career, Sheriff East was recognized with countless awards, certificates, honorable titles and medals. Among the many, he was most honored to be awarded the Silver Star for Bravery from the American Law Enforcement Association and most recently in 2015, Sheriff East was honored by the Lafayette County Law Enforcement and Officers Association with the Medal of Valor and Unselfishness in the Face of Danger. Buddy served two terms as President of the Mississippi Sheriff’s Association from 1989-1990 and 1999-2000, was a faithful member of New Prospect Baptist Church and was especially proud of his time as a former little league baseball coach. Known by his grandchildren as “Pap Paw” or “Granddaddy”, his love for his family was beyond measure. Even during his busiest seasons of life, Buddy was ever present in the lives of his grandchildren, attending any and all of their school and sports activities. An avid Ole Miss fan, he was excited to see what his Rebels would do this season.

Sheriff East’s humble heart touched the lives of all he encountered. Before his death, he expressed great gratitude to the community of Oxford and Lafayette County for allowing him to serve the people and the town he loved.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Hall East of Oxford; five children, Melissa Westbrook (Billy), Joey East  (Kimberly), Shannon Lomax (Max), Steve Lewis (Melanie), all of Oxford, and Scott Lewis (Brandi) of Dallas, Texas; a sister, Nona Tutor of Oxford; and 13 grandchildren.

Memorials for Sheriff East may be made to Lafayette School Building Fund, 100 Commodore Dr., Oxford, MS 38655.

Linda Lou Frakes

WATER VALLEY—Linda Lou Frakes went to a land prepared by her Lord on September 5, 2018.

She is survived by her husband, Danny Frakes of Water Valley; five children, Ron Carowick (Teresa) of Hopkinsville, Ky., Kevin Carowick (Sandy) of Agawam, Mass., Tammy Hoover (Carl) of Shippensburg, Penn., Tracy Murray (Jonathan) of Wellington, Ala., and Stephanie Frakes of Hoover, Ala.; 15 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Nancy Leslie of Three Springs, Penn., Sharon Stilwell  of Herndon, Va., Evelyn Worthy of Cambridge Springs, Penn., and Kathy Worthy of Mt. Union, Penn.

The funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Monday, September 10, in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home in Batesville. The family received friends beginning at 11 a.m., prior to the service. Interment followed at Forrest Memorial Park in Batesville.


William C. Melton

OXFORD—William “Billy” C. Melton, 67, passed away Thursday, September 6, 2018, in Baptist Memorial Hospital at Memphis.

Visitation was held Monday, September 10, from noon until 2 p.m. in Coleman Funeral  Home at Oxford. A graveside service was held at 2:30 p.m. in Pine Flat Cemetery, near Oxford.

Mr. Melton was born in Memphis. He worked for the Mississippi Forester Department for over 40 years. An easy going man, he always put others before himself.  He enjoyed fishing and Sunday afternoon drives with his wife, Katherine, of 45 years. Mr. Melton enjoyed working with the Lafayette County 3 Volunteer Fire Department. However, nothing meant more to him than his family and friends.

Survivors include is wife, Katherine Melton of Oxford; his mother-in-law, Mary Helen Chandler of Water Valley; three brothers-in-law, Gary Chandler (Vicky) of Oxford and Randy Chandler (Martha), and Criss Chandler, both of Water Valley; two sisters-in-law, Judy Potts (Joe) of Water Valley and Amy Myles (Billy) of Pearl; one uncle, Homer Melton (Ruth) of Tillatoba; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Deward Melton; his mother, Willie Melton; and his father-in-law, Clarence Criss Chandler.

Memorials may be made to the Lafayette County 3 Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 1933, Oxford, MS 38655.


Katelyn Marie Ray

OAKLAND—Katelyn Marie “Katiebug” Ray, age 17, passed away Wednesday morning, September 5, 2018, in a car accident. 

The family received friends Sunday, September 9, from noon until service time at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Kimbro Funeral  Home in Marks. Interment followed in Crowder Cemetery.

Katie, a crew member at Sonic in Water Valley, loved life, her nieces and nephews. She was an outgoing young lady and was thrilled when she received her driver’s license.

Survivors include her parents, Timothy and Shelia Ray of Oakland; a sister, Courtney Petit of Oakland; an aunt, Cathy Winters of Batesville; an uncle, Jason Petit (Stephanie)  of Oakland; one niece, Rena Joyce Kiddy; and a nephew, Nicholas Dewayne Kiddy; maternal grandfather, Duane Petit of Crowder; paternal grandfather, Elbert Sorrell of Belen; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Timothy and Christopher Ray; her maternal grandmother, Ima Jean Petit; and  paternal grandmother, Geraldine Sorrell.


Bobbie Samuels

HOUSTON—Bobbie Samuels, age 86, died peacefully Tuesday, September 4, 2018, in her home at Houston.

Born January 2, 1932, in Oxford, Mrs. Samuels was a daughter of the late Joseph and Frances Turner Kelley. She spent 50 years of her career working at Rice Stix/Big Yank Manufacturing. She enjoyed her flowers and spending time with her grandchildren. Bobbie was a member of The Order of The Eastern Star and International Association of Rebekahs. She was also a faithful member of First Christian Church of Water Valley.

Visitation was held Friday, September 7, in Seven Oaks Funeral Home from noon until 2 p.m. The service began at 2 p.m.  in the Henry Chapel of the funeral home with Bro David Freeman officiating. Burial was in Cold Springs Cemetery at Sardis.

Survivors include her daughter, Donna Rhyne (Dwight) of Houston; a step-daughter, Patricia Hendricks of Water Valley; two grandchildren, John Michael Rhyne of Houston and Lisa Bollinger of Banner; and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband, George Samuels; one son, Kenneth Miller; and a brother, William Kelley.


Sarah Ford Swanzy

GREENWOOD—Sarah Ford Swanzy, age 82, of Greenwood, died Thursday, September 6, 2018, in Greenwood.

Born November 16, 1935, in Yalobusha County, Mrs. Swanzy is a daughter  of the late John L. and Sarah Evans Ford. She graduated high school in Natchez and earned her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. For the past 27 years she owned and operated The Bon-don, where she published a bi-monthly newspaper court report of Leflore County. Sarah had a passion for reading and she always said that her favorite and most rewarding job was teaching Army recruits at Fort Gordon, Ga., where she was able to teach them to read and write in a brief amount of time. She was a lifelong bridge player and loved playing cards with friends. Sarah was an excellent cook and her home was filled with laughter, fellowship and good food. She loved others and had a generous spirit. Sarah treasured her family and grandchildren.

An informal memorial service was held Sunday at 3 p.m. in Seven Oaks Funeral Home at Water Valley. The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave., 7th Floor, New Your, NY 10001, or to the charity of your choice.

Sarah is survived by her husband, Robert H. “Bob” Swanzy of Greenwood; a daughter, Laura Lowe (David) of Memphis; two sons, Russ McPherson (Yvette) of Leland and Kyle McPherson (DeLeslyn H. Robertson) of Madison;  11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.


Richard Vaughn Tidwell

WATER VALLEY—Richard Vaughn Tidwell, age 62, died Sunday, September 9, 2018, at  his home in Water Valley.

Born August 9, 1956, in Taylor, he was a son of the late Carl and Myrtle Tidwell.

Richard enjoyed fishing, country music, dancing, watching westerns and Elvis Presley.

Arrangements have not been finalized, but  more information concerning the memorial service will be forthcoming from the family. Seven Oaks Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Danielle Tidwell (Beau), Deniese (Corey) Combs, and A. J. (Jimmy) Tutor, all of Water Valley; two sisters, Lottie Knighton and Joanie Rodgers; and five grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Jennifer Tidwell and Kimberly Ingram; five sisters, Maybell, Mary Lee, Brenda, Barbara, and Laura; and five brothers, Thomas, Rufus, Jr., Carl, Jr., and J. W.


Tina Marie Ross Williams 


SCOBEY – Tina Marie Ross Williams, 50, of Scobey, passed away Sunday, September 9, 2018, in the University of Mississippi Medical Center at Jackson.

Born April 30, 1968, in Grenada, Tina was a homemaker and attended Grenada High School.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2018, in Smith Cemetery in the Rosebloom Community of Tallahatchie County. The family  received friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday evening at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service at Grenada.

Survivors include her daughter, Leslie Kerr (Anthony) of Grenada; one son, Jay Peters of Grenada; her mother, Sally Ross of Grenada; her father, Melvin Ross (Lora) of Grenada; two grandchildren, Alyssa and Caden Kerr of Grenada; and a brother, David Ross of Grenada.

She was preceded in death by a son, John Ryan Williams.


 Jackey Joe Winters

WATER VALLEY—Jackey Joe Winters, 59, passed away in his home at Water Valley September 4, 2018.

Visitation was held Friday, September 7, from noon until 2 p.m. in Coleman Funeral Home at Oxford. The funeral service followed visitation at 2 p.m., with Rev. Stoney Moorhead officiating. Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery at Water Valley.

Mr. Winters was born in Marks. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed both hunting and fishing. He as especially fond of hunting deer and squirrels. Mr. Winters was fascinated with raising chickens and gardening. He worked most of his life as a painter. One of his greatest feats was working on the skyscrapers in Memphis with his brother. He was also an amazing family man who loved his children and grandchildren more than anything.

Survivors include three daughters, Michelle Winters of Oxford, and Stephanie Winters (Eric Green) and Angie Wood (Will Poynor), both of Water Valley; two sons, Tony Winters (Jennifer) of Winona and Joseph Lovelace (Katherine) of Abbeville; the mother of his children, Sharon Harrison of Pontotoc; one brother, Charles Ray Winters of Water Valley; seven granddaughters, Jessica Wood, Madison Green, Katelin LaCook, Kali Lovelace, Sarah Winters, Segan Prince, and Ainsley Winters; six grandsons, Robert Wood, Tyler Buffkin, Brandon Green, Kameron Lovelace, Austin Winters, and Bailey Prince; and six great-grandchildren.

Mr. Winters was preceded in death by his parents, Early Winters and Rachel Annie Doris Winters; and the mother of one of his sons, Mandy Lovelace.

Memorial donations may be made in honor of Mr. Winters to Second Chance Animal Alliance, P. O. Box 794, Water Valley, MS 38965.

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