Obituaries 01/29/2026
Jerry Wayne Lantrip
OAKLAND – Jerry Wayne Lantrip Sr., 74, passed away Monday morning, January 19, 2026, at his home in Oakland.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 22, in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home. Interment followed at Graystone Family Cemetery in Oakland.
Jerry was born June 9, 1951, in Marks to the late Willie Edward Lantrip and Johnnie Laverne Young Lantrip. He dedicated his career to working as an automotive mechanic, a profession that reflected both his skill and lifelong passion for vehicles. He was especially fond of antique automobiles and spent countless hours repairing, restoring and working on cars. In his younger years, he wrestled on the southern circuit under the name “Macho Man.” He later became well known as a bouncer at Rolling Hills and the Islander while also working as a mechanic at Lantrip’s Garage.
Jerry was one of the founding members of Gray’s Power Supply, where he served as a shop foreman. Outside of work, he continued to enjoy working on vehicles and riding his motorcycle. Above all, he was deeply devoted to his family and was known for his loyalty, dedication and strong presence, traits that earned him the love and respect of many.
He is survived by his sons, Jerry Wayne Lantrip Jr. of Illinois, John Cory Lantrip of Granite City, Illinois, Jason McCord Lantrip of Fairfield, Texas, Jerrod Justin Lantrip of Courtland, Jon Wayne Lantrip of Pope, Michael Gray of Oakland and Scotty Len Gray of Anchorage, Alaska; two sisters, Sally Ann Loggins of Walls and Brenda Smith of Batesville; 23 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Christopher Gray; his daughter, Ida Winters; and his brother, Willie Lantrip Jr.
Jane Catherine Smart Pollan
SCOBEY – Jane Catherine Smart Pollan, 86, of Scobey, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026. She was born July 17, 1939, in Grenada to Samuel Wallace Smart and Florence Hankins Smart.
A devoted homemaker, Jane worked diligently throughout her life to make her house a home. She was a loving mother and grandmother who cherished the time spent with her family. Jane was a faithful member of Wayside Baptist Church, where her quiet devotion and steady presence were a blessing to many.
A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Wayside Cemetery with Rev. Truman Scarborough officiating. McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Fly (Jeff) of Grenada; her son, Roger Pollan of Scobey; her brother, Wendell Smart of Grenada; six grandchildren, Amber Pollan (Jonathan Stafford), Austin Pollan (Lynne), Kayleen Powell (Tanner), Katie Morgan (Hunter), Karlee Pollan, and Walker Pollan; and seven great-grandchildren, Connor Stafford, Corbin Stafford, Hank Morgan, Bobbi Claire Powell, Harper Morgan, Bankston Powell, and Ellie Stafford.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Freddie Pollan; and her brothers, David Smart and Robbie Smart.
Julia Fite Taylor
WATER VALLEY – Julia Taylor of Water Valley passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 21st, 2026. She was born on January 27, 1939 to Cloud C. Fite and Beatrice Smith Fite.
After graduating from Water Valley High School and Ole Miss, Julia dedicated her life to being a wife, mother and friend. She loved the Lord, her family and her church. As a member of the First Methodist Church she served as a pianist, a Sunday School teacher, a board member and many other positions. She was also a member of the Thursday Morning Prayer Group for over 50 years.
Outside of the church, Julia was a Master Gardener, a past President of the Town and Country Garden Club and a Life Member of the Junior Auxiliary.
Many people got to know Julia through her “Bread Ministry” that scattered sourdough bread all over Water Valley. When she was no longer able to bake so much bread, the loaves were replaced by mailed cards.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Warren Cole Taylor and her sister, Linda Fite Ingram. She is survived by her husband, Bennie Cole Taylor; her son Bill Taylor (Pam), her granddaughters, Mary Cloud Vander Ark (Jon), Sally Kate Carroll (Will), and Coley Anton (Sierre), and her great grandson Jessie Cole Carroll.
Everyone who knew her will always remember for her for her favorite word, “Joy”, which summed up her attitude in even the worst of situations.
A memorial service celebrating Julia’s life will be held at a later date. Seven Oaks Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the First Methodist Church of Water Valley.