Obituaries 02/10/2022
Gaylon Benson Booker
GERMANTOWN and WATER VALLEY – Gaylon Benson Booker passed away in Memphis, Tennessee on February 4, 2022, shortly before his 86th birthday. Gaylon was loved for his warmth and humility, and was admired for his intelligence, his accomplishments and his dedication.
Born February 19, 1936, to Benjamin F. and Ethel M. Booker, Gaylon grew up in Water Valley where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Elsie White. After graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he received special cryptologic training prior to his serving in Tokyo and Seoul as part of a small intelligence group known as Detachment M. He attended Northwest Mississippi Junior College on a football scholarship and completed his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Memphis.
The National Cotton Council (NCC) hired Gaylon as a market research analyst fresh out of college. Forty-three years later, he retired as President/CEO of the NCC and its affiliates, Cotton Council International and The Cotton Foundation. During his career at the NCC, Gaylon served as vice president of operations and as senior vice president. Earlier, he headed the Economic Services department where he directed activities relating to world supply and demand for cotton and other fibers.
After his retirement in February 2004, he served as an agricultural and trade policy consultant for the NCC. During his final year as a consultant, he wrote and published a detailed history of the NCC for the years 1988 – 2007.
Gaylon served multiple terms as chairman of the American Textile Alliance. He served two terms on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. He was the 2003 recipient of the National Cotton Ginners Association Distinguished Service Award. He was honored as the recipient of the 2004 Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award in recognition of extraordinary service, leadership, and dedication to the U.S. cotton industry.
As an advocate for citizens with disabilities, Gaylon gave generously of his time, talent, and money. He served as a board member for Shelby Residential and Vocational Services, a Memphis-based organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities. He founded Partners In Placement, Inc., a non-profit providing job placement services for citizens with disabilities, and he served on Governor-appointed commissions and committees making recommendations for re-writing Tennessee legislation dealing with mental health and developmental disabilities. For his service on behalf of people with disabilities, Gaylon was recognized with special awards from both the State of Tennessee and the City of Memphis. In 1999, Community Rehabilitation Agencies of Tennessee named him Community Leader of the Year.
For many years of his adult life, Gaylon enjoyed hunting, fishing, and horseback riding, bonding with dear friends and family through these activities. He was an avid tennis player and for several years was a member of the Racquet Club of Memphis.
Gaylon and Elsie built a home just outside their beloved hometown to enjoy in retirement. And so, though members of the White Station Church of Christ in Memphis, they worshiped at least as often at the Water Valley Church of Christ in recent years.
Gaylon leaves his wife, Elsie; their children, Ronnie Booker and Jan Booker Stark; and grandsons Zach Stark and Ben Stark. He is preceded in death by his son, Brad Booker; and his sisters, Kathy Wise and Cereice Grinder.
The family will rely on social media and word of mouth to communicate details once a memorial service is planned, and they request that Gaylon’s life be honored with donations to Shelby Residential and Vocational Services (https://www.srvs.org/donate).
Daniel Melton Sossaman, Sr.
COFFEEVILLE – Mr. Daniel Melton Sossaman, Sr., 50, of Coffeeville, passed away Sunday, February 6, 2022 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center – Grenada.
Daniel was born August 24, 1971 in Marks to Oscar Melton Sossaman, Jr. and Norma Joyce Shankle Sossaman. A mechanic and farmer by trade, he loved any time he was able to spend outdoors. Daniel worked for a number of years for the Mississippi Department of Transportation. He possessed a strong work ethic.
When he wasn’t at his regular job, Daniel could be found working on heavy equipment for a friend or neighbor. Daniel not only worked hard, he played hard too. He enjoyed the sport of hunting and fishing, but loved the fellowship with friends that it brought. He was a member of the Pearidge Hunting Club. A devoted Christian, Daniel attended Spring Hill Church of God of Prophecy.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 10, at the Spring Hill Church of God of Prophecy near Charleston with Bro. Roger Jackson and Bro. Jesse Strider officiating. Interment will follow in the Adams Arbor Church of God of Prophecy Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service and one hour prior to the service Thursday at Spring Hill Church of God of Prophecy.
Survivors include his wife, Annette Strider Sossaman; two sons, Daniel Sossaman, Jr. of Cascilla and Bailey (Samantha) Sossaman of Rosebloom; his mother, Norma Joyce Shankle Sossaman of Coffeeville; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alton and Jody Strider of Rosebloom; brothers-in-law, William Strider (Jessica) and Rev. Jesse “Skeeter” Strider (Kelley); and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Oscar Melton Sossaman, Jr., and his grandparents, Bill and Lola Mae Shankle and Oscar and Inez Sossaman.
James Lewis Walker
STARKVILLE – James Lewis (Jimmy) Walker, age 72, of Starkville died Friday, February 4, 2022, at OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville.
A graveside service was held Monday, February 7, at Walker Cemetery with Binnie Turnage officiating. Seven Oaks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
James was born December 19, 1949, in Water Valley to the late William (Sonny) and Carrie (Lewis) Walker. He lived at Rolling Hills Development Center in Starkville for over forty years. While a resident there he enjoyed working odd jobs helping the staff, such as making coffee and folding newspapers. James loved talking on the phone to his family and visiting with them. When they visited he always inquired of them “What did you bring me?” He also enjoyed going to the store with the other residents, often carrying a new wallet, which was very important to him.
James is survived by one brother, Lynn Walker (Susie) and one sister-in-law, Bonnie Dimock, all of Water Valley. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by one brother, Billy Walker; and one sister, Carol Joyner.
Patsy Wright
SENATOBIA – Patsy Wright, 83, of Senatobia died suddenly at her home on February 6, 2022. Patsy was born on June 8, 1938 in Water Valley to Bernie and Janie McCulley. She was a Godly woman who loved her family dearly.
Patsy managed the TWL store in Water Valley for over 20 years until it closed in 1996. At the time of her retirement, she was the office manager for Dr. Joe Walker.
Visitation is scheduled Wednesday, February 9, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until noon. A private family service will follow.
Patsy was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Gearrell; and her parents, Bernie and Janie McCulley. She is survived by two sisters Mary Rowe (the late Leonard Rowe) and Barbara Sartor (Clyde); her two daughters, Denise Farrar (Tommy) and Debbie McGehee (Paul); one son, Tracy Wright (Lisa); five granddaughters Allison Lacefield (Will), Mallory McCormick (Bryan), Molly Crawford (Chet), Kalie Poole (Todd) and Kristen Lewis; and grandsons Ryan McGehee (Natalie), Eric Gibson, Ryan Gibson and Trey Gibson. Patsy also had many great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.
Donald Lee Vining
COFFEEVILLE – Mr. Donald Lee Vining, 51, of Coffeeville, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2022 at his residence.
Lee was born August 23, 1970 in Texas to Thaddeus and Peggy Williams Vining. He possessed a strong work ethic and enjoyed many years working as a welder at Harrell’s Metal Works in Grenada. An avid outdoorsman, Lee enjoyed hunting and spending time in the woods any time he had the opportunity. Lee cherished his relationship with the Lord and enjoyed worshiping Him with other believers at Way of Life Ministries in Grenada.
Memorial service plans are pending and will be announced at a later date. McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his wife, Barbarella-Gina Vining; three sons, Robbie Wayne Kendall, Jr. (Tasha) of Coffeeville, Steven Jacob Kendall (Angel) of Coffeeville and Nathaniel Kendall (Kristy) of Kansas City, Mo.; six grandchildren, Jaylin Kendall, Landen Kendall, Carter Bennett, Lilly Bennett, Kiersten Kendall and Alton Rivers Kendall; a nephew Josh Vining (Alana) of Coffeeville; and his in-laws, Carolyn and Thomas Holmes of Kilmichael and Logan Murphy of Coffeeville.