Obituaries 04/10/2025

David Gene Bell

TILLATOBA – Mr. David Gene Bell, 82, of Tillatoba passed away Monday, March 31, 2025 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis. He was born October 23, 1942 in Brazil to John Gray Bell and Adelene Walker Bell.

David was a graduate of West Tallahatchie High School and attended Mississippi Delta Community College. He enjoyed a career spanning over 39 years at Entergy and he worked for Storm Services. David loved hunting, fishing and spending time with friends and family. He also found great joy in growing a big garden each year and sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family.

A time of remembrance was held Thursday, April 3, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service. Survivors include his daughter, Donna Bell Malone; a son, Robert (Kelley) Bell; his sister, Maxine Jones; brothers, Tom (Linda) Bell, Paul (Virginia) Bell and Stevie (Jane) Bell; nine grandchildren, Lane Malone, Robbie Bell, Scott Ross, Linzy Abraham, Hestin Tackett, Kaleb Hughes, Danielle Bennett, Victoria Arnold and Sara Herring; 21 great-grandchildren and his significant other, Lorine Parker.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 59 years, Jane Goasa Bell.

Adam Washington Golden, Jr.

COFFEEVILLE – Adam Washington Golden Jr., a cherished member of the Coffeeville community, passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on June 9, 1946, in Marks, Adam lived a life rich in faith, family, and the great outdoors. He was a devoted Christian who loved Jesus and was an active member of his church. Adam also bravely served our nation in the Army’s second battalion during the Vietnam war.

Adam was a self-made man who thrived in the retail sales industry, dedicating himself to the success of his business ventures while nurturing a profound sense of community. An avid hunter and fisherman, he cherished the time spent in nature, often sharing these passions with family and friends. His love for gardening and operating his sawmill also brought joy to his everyday life.

Above all else, Adam was a family man who opened his heart to all. He often said, “There is always room for one more,” reflecting his boundless compassion and warmth towards others. He leaves behind his beloved spouse, Tammy (King) Golden; sons, Adam Golden, Larry Golden, John (Meagan) Kell, Adam (Brandi) Kell, Dustin (Nicole) Golden, Justin (Ashley) Golden and Cameron Golden; a daughter, Kystal Barbo; 21 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother, Gene Golden; a sister, Irene Smith; three brothers-in-law, John Roy, Jim and Gill; five sisters-in-law, Kym, Connie, Lanell, Debbie and Rose; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Monday, April 7, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral services followed Tuesday, April 8 at Calvary Baptist Church in Coffeeville.

Adam is preceded in death by his parents, Adam W. Golden, Sr. and Rachel (Neal) Golden; 11 brothers; and five sisters.

John Randal Parsons

MEMPHIS – John Randal Parsons, age 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, March 30, 2025, at his residence.

A celebration of his life was held Saturday, April 26, at Christ Methodist Church, Wilson Chapel, in Memphis, TN. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M.

Born on June 8, 1949, in Water Valley, John was the son of the late Oscar Thurman Parsons, Jr. and Mary Kathryn Buchanan Parsons. A graduate of Water Valley High School, he went on to earn a degree in journalism and advertising from the University of Mississippi. He began his career teaching journalism at Northwest Mississippi Junior College before transitioning into banking. For over 30 years, he thrived as an investment banker with First Tennessee.

John’s charismatic spirit lit up every room he entered. With a quick wit, a deep love for laughter, and a gift for storytelling, he was truly the “life of the party.” His lifelong love of music led him to the stage as a lead singer in several rhythm and blues bands including “Stone Cold” and “The Deltones.” Among his most treasured experiences were the Sundays he spent singing and playing the Hammond organ during the contemporary worship service at Christ Methodist Church.

A devoted Ole Miss fan, John loved tailgating in the Grove and cheering on the Rebels. In quieter moments, he enjoyed golfing and reading works by C.S. Lewis and Dean Koontz. Above all, John will be remembered for his enduring love of music, his joyful personality, and his deep devotion to his family and friends. Every conversation with him ended with the words, “I love you.”

John is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Thornton Parsons of Memphis; his brother, James Robert “Robby” (Bonnie) Parsons of Water Valley; his daughters, Alison Parsons (Jason) Jardine of Santa Rosa, Calif. and Melissa Parsons (Matthew) Vincent of Oxford; and stepdaughters, Audrey Bledsoe Garrett of Santa Fe, NM, and Donna Grace Garrett of Eugene, Ore. Known affectionately as “Grandy,” he leaves behind four cherished grandchildren, Gabe Jardine, Pippin Jardine, Eli Vincent and Ari Vincent.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard Lynn Parsons; and his sister, Laura Parsons Walker.