Obituaries – June 27, 2013

Michael Butts

OXFORD—Michael “Mike” Butts, age 65, died Friday, June 14, 2013, at his home in Oxford.
  Born March 31, 1948, in Water Valley, he was a son of the late Newell and Emma Mae Roberts Butts. Mike served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and retired as a Geological Technician for Mississippi Soil Conservation Service in 1995. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, mechanic and body work, cooking, gardening, and he loved his animals.
    A memorial service was held in Oak Hill Cemetery at Water Valley at six o’clock in the evening Monday, June 24. Seven Oaks Funeral Home of Water Valley had charge of arrangements.
    Survivors include a sister, Carolyn Butts of Calhoun City; three brothers, Kenny Butts of Oxford, William Earl Butts (Sheila) of Water Valley, and Newell Thomas Butts (Diane) of Gladys, Virginia.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Butts, and a brother, Frankie Butts.

Michael Vernon Crews

WATER VALLEY—Michael Vernon “Mike” Crews, age 69, died Sunday, June 23, 2013, at  his home in Water Valley.
    Born August 26, 1943, he was a son of the late Vernon and Frances Baddley Crews. Mike graduated from Water Valley High School and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in the Viet Nam War. He loved his country and his Lord, and was a devoted member of O’Tuckolofa Baptist Church, where he served as narrator for different programs and worked in the church wherever there was a need. Mike dearly loved his family and grandchildren and cherished every moment he could spend with them.
    Visitation will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, in Seven Oaks Funeral Home at Water Valley. The funeral service will be held at one o’clock in the afternoon, Thursday, June 27, in O’Tuckolofa Baptist Church, with Bro. Dan Dickerson officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery at Water Valley, with Rob Crews, John Michael Crews, Adam Taylor, Shane Arbuckle, Dusty Arbuckle, Matthew Crews, and Charles Heath, serving as pallbearers. Melissa Crews, Chelsea Crews, Tori Crews, Hannah Crews, Heather Downs, and Marlie Bryan will serve as honorary pallbearers.
    Mike is survived by his wife, Sandra Crews of Water Valley; two daughters, Sheri Crews Arbuckle (Ronnie) of Oxford and Sheila Bynum of Loganville, Georgia; two sons, Chris Crews (Patricia) of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Rob Crews (Leslie) of Los Angeles, Calif.; one sister, Sylvia Beene of Water Valley; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Pat McCain. Memorials may be made to the Brotherhood of O’Tuckolofa Baptist Church, 3190 Hwy. 315 East, Water Valley, MS 38965

James Aubrey Perkins

COFFEEVILLE—James Aubrey “Little Perk” Perkins, 83, of Coffeeville passed away June 23, 2013, at his residence.
    Born May 27, 1930, he was a son of the late Henry Ivy Perkins and Maude Ford Perkins. He was the owner of Perkins Bros. Farm and also retired from the Soil & Water Conservation Commission after serving 30 years. He remained a Commissioner on the Yalobusha Soil & Water Commission. He was a teacher of morse and other codes for many years. Mr. Perkins was an avid Mississippi State Bulldog fan and was affectionately known as “Perky Derky” to his nieces.
    Visitation was held Tuesday, June 25, in Garner Harper Funeral Home at Coffeeville from 5-7 p.m. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 26, in First Baptist Church at Coffeeville, at ten o’clock in the morning. Interment will follow in the Coffeeville Cemetery.
    Survivors include his wife, Betty Sue Carpenter Perkins of Coffeeville; and also Gladys Perkins, the mother of his children, who include sons, James Ronald Perkins of  Hattiesburg, and Ronnie Stark of Water Valley; daughters, Debra Ann Beckwith (Jerry) of Coffeeville, Chandra Dawn Tackett (Carey) of Baldwin, and Jennifer Ann Martin (Scott) of Coffeeville; grandchildren, Brian Jones, Kimberly Allen, and Channing Martin; and four great-grandchildren.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Gary Lynn Perkins, and grandchildren, Jeremy and Jamison Perkins.
    The family requests that memorials be made to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Foundation, P. O. Box 41817, Memphis, TN 38174-1817, in honor of Mr. Perkins and Sophie Grace Staten.