Obituaries – Jan. 23, 2014

William Andrew Morgan

COFFEEVILLE—William “Billy” Andrew Morgan, 75, of Coffeeville, died Monday, January 13, 2014, in Baptist Memorial Hospital—North Mississippi at Oxford.
  Born April 3, 1938, in Coffeeville, Mr. Morgan was a son of the late Kermit Demps and Julia Upchurch Morgan. He graduated from the University of Mississippi, with a degree in Accounting, and worked for many years as the accountant for the Self Plantation in the Mississippi Delta. Later, he worked in Tennessee and Texas as an accountant before returning to Coffeeville for retirement.
  He is survived by one brother, Robert Morgan, and his wife, Barbara, of Coffeeville; three nephews; and seven great nieces and nephews.
  Seven Oaks Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

Edward Lee Rowsey, Jr.

BATESVILLE—Edward Lee Rowsey, Jr., age 72, husband of Kathleen Rowsey, passed away Saturday evening, January 18, 2014, in Methodist University Hospital at Memphis.
  The funeral service was held at ten o’clock in the morning Tuesday, January 21, in Wells Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Ed Woodall and Rev. Ed Temple presiding. Interment followed in Pisgah United Methodist Cemetery, Eureka Road, Courtland. Pallbearers included Robert Earl Upchurch, Carl Ray Upchurch, Robert Lee Seay, Matt Downs, Zane Hale and Billy Williams.
  Born  in Panola County March 19, 1941, Mr. Rowsey was a son of Martha Todd Smith Rowsey and the late Edward Lee Rowsey, Sr. He was a member of First United Methodist Church at Batesville. In the 1960s, Mr. Rowsey began working as a lumber grader for Martin Lumber company in Gilmer, Texas and in 1966, he was drafted into the military. He served his country in the United States Army until 1972. While in service, he was one of seven men out of 217 given MOS’S for Artilleryman.
    He was trained to fire short barrel cannons  used especially for firing shells at high angle of elevation to reach targets behind cover, in trenches, etc. They used these cannons to fight enemies along the Ho’Chi’Mihn’ Trail. In August of 1968, Lee fought in WarZone C during Vietnam. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/Device “V”, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/service, 2 O/S Bars and Sharpshooter (rifle M-14). Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Memphis and worked for Memphis Hardwood Flooring.
  In the mid 1970s he moved to Batesville and began a career working for the Corps of Engineers at Sardis Dam. Upon his retirement in 2004, he had worked his way up to a Supervisory Park Ranger for the Corps. Even though Mr. Rowsey retired he never stopped working. Anyone who knew him, knew he was accustomed to hard work throughout his entire life. Whether it be tending cows or working in the hay fields, Mr. Rowsey enjoyed the outdoors while farming and traveling.
  Survivors include his wife of nearly 52 years, Kathleen Upchurch Rowsey, of Batesville; one daughter, Melissa Rowsey Browning (Chuck) of New Albany; a son, Edward Lee Rowsey, II (Natalie) of Pope; his mother, Martha Rowsey, of Batesville; one sister, Kay Rowsey Cook of Batesville; two brothers, Dale Rowsey of Batesville and Don Rowsey of Oxford; and four grandchildren, Travis and Shelby Rowsey and Hunter and Swayze Browning.

Dennis Earl Smith

GORE SPRINGS—Dennis Earl Smith, 61, of Gore Springs died January 15, 2014, at his home, surrounded by family and his devoted wife, Debbie “Dee” Cooper Smith. He was formerly of Cascilla.
  Born June 1, 1952, in Cascilla, he was a son of the late Edward “Rock” Smith and Elizabeth Carpenter Smith. He worked at Heatcraft (Luvata) for many years, but his love was auctioneering. He was the former owner of Smith Auction in Cascilla. Mr. Smith was a member of Cascilla Baptist Church, MS Auctioneer Association and National Auctioneer Association.
  Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. in Cascilla Baptist Church January 16. The funeral service was Friday, January 17, beginning at two o’clock in the afternoon in the church, with Bro. Steve Bullion and Bro. Lynn Welch officiating. Burial was in the New Smith Cemetery in Cascilla.
    Pryor Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were Terry Brown, Terry Malone, Mike Hoop, John Smith, Bud Smith, and Melvin Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Wayne Buchanan, Willard E. Smith and Mac Smith.
  Survivors include his wife, Debbie “Dee” Cooper Smith of Gore Springs; two daughters, Melonie Smith Hoop (Brad) of Grenada, and Natalie Brickey Karow (James) of Carrollton; one son, Ricky Brickey (Ashley) of Southaven; six grandchildren, Taylor Hoop, Hadley Hoop, Ethan Karow, Candice Karow, Kimberly Karow, and Madison Brickey; one sister, Brenda Smith; a brother, Clinton Smith; two nephews; one niece; and many close family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Willie Smith, and a nephew, Lee Smith.

Ricky Gene Weaver

OXFORD—Rickey Gene Weaver, age 55, died Tuesday, January 14, 2014, in Baptist Memorial Hospital—North Mississippi at Oxford.
  Born August 18, 1958, in Hammond, Indiana, he was a son of Pauline Weaver and the late Rufus A. Weaver, Sr. Rickey was a contractor and worked in the construction industry for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren and family.
  Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until noon Saturday, January 18, in Seven Oaks Funeral Home at Water Valley. A memorial service was held immediately following visitation in the Henry Chapel of the funeral home, with Dr. Randy Bain officiating.
  Survivors include a daughter, Melissa (Brad) Smith of Calhoun City; his son, Rickey A. (Blair) Weaver of Baldwyn; his mother, Pauline Weaver of Water Valley; and three grandchildren, Garrett Smith, Caylee Smith, and Aubrei Weaver.
  He was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy Dunton Weaver; his father, Rufus Weaver, Sr.; three sisters, Ann Morton, Betty Jo Weaver, and Paula K. Weaver; and one brother, Rufus Weaver, Jr.