Obituaries 07/11/2024
Darrel Gene Dorris
COFFEEVILLE – Darrel Gene Dorris, a beloved member of the Water Valley and Coffeeville communities, went to his eternal home, Wednesday, July 3, 2024. He was born on July 13, 1955, in Water Valley and made a lasting impact on those around him.
After feeling a need to help his family, Darrel left school early and began working at his father’s Saw mill in the Airmount Community. Later he became very involved in the logging and farming business in the area where he would eventually finish his career working for his brother, Dennis Dorris.
Known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his family, Darrel was a hardworking man who found joy in the simple things in life. In his free time, he enjoyed hobbies such as small engine repair, tinkering in his workshop, gardening and grilling. He was known for his special recipe for chicken and Brunswick stew.
Darrel is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Anna Dorris; two daughters, Denise Dorris and Jessica (Andy) Fly; one son Jason Dorris; three grandchildren, A’Lanna Dorris, Malarie Vanlandingham and Alli Fly; one great-grandchild, Mason Nichols; and six siblings, Deborah (Dwight) Ayers, Judy Harwell, Donna (Andy) Massey, Rebecca (Dean) Wright, Danny Dorris and Dennis Dorris (Angela). He cherished his family above all else and leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion.
Funeral services for Darrel Gene Dorris were held at Elam Baptist Church on Tuesday, July 9. Visitation was held prior to the service at the church on Monday, July 8. Darrel was laid to rest in a burial ceremony at Melton Cemetery with Andy Fly, Brent Turner, Dakota Nichols, Roger Arbuckle, Chuck Arbuckle, and Adam Boyle serving as pallbearers. Honorary pall bearers were Brad Vanlandingham, Robert Calder, Jeff Arbuckle, Junior Arbuckle and Charles Liles.
Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, Dalton “Buddy” Dorris and Bobbie Dorris.
David Lee Hale
GERMANTOWN, Tenn. – Captain David Lee Hale, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and former educator in Shelby County Schools, passed away on Tuesday, July 2. Captain Hale was born September 19, 1937, in Water Valley. He resided in Germantown with his beloved wife, Martha, and is survived by their adoring children, Mark and Sandra.
David obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis and his master’s degree from Ball State University. Captain Hale was known for his exceptional dedication to his roles, being voted Outstanding Truancy Officer, M.E.A. Delegate Representative Assembly, and serving as Squadron Commander and Radar Navigator on B-52s. Over his fruitful career, he established himself as a pillar in the community, also being an active member of the Masonic fraternity for over 50 years and a dedicated attendee of Germantown Methodist church.
David’s diverse interests reflected his vibrant spirit, from enjoying fishing, hunting, and reading to indulging in Westerns, engaging in games, and challenging himself with Sudoku puzzles.
A proud grandfather to Nicole, Mark David, Bobby, Kristina, Kaitlyn, and David Mark, Captain Hale’s legacy is further honored through his great-grandchildren, Kohlten, Ellia, Karter, Harper, Hudson, and Camden.
The funeral service was held at Seven Oaks Funeral Home on July 6 at 1 p.m., followed by a burial on Blackmur Drive in Water Valley.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Hale and Leona (Hotard) Hale.
Gary Lloyd Tippit
OAKLAND – Gary Lloyd Tippit, a dedicated Justice Court Judge for the 1st Judicial District in Yalobusha County, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024, in Oakland.
Services to honor the life of Gary Lloyd Tippit were held at Wells Funeral Home in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel on Saturday, July 6th followed by the interment at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Pope.
His commitment to justice and service spanned over two decades as he honorably served the community with integrity and wisdom. Born on October 24, 1945, in Yalobusha County, Gary’s profound love for his family was evident in every aspect of his life. Gary’s illustrious career as a Justice Court Judge was marked by his unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of fairness and impartiality. He was elected President of the Mississippi Justice Court Clerk’s Association from 1993 to 1994, a testament to his leadership qualities and esteemed reputation in the legal field. Gary’s educational journey included graduating from Oakland High School, attending Northwest Mississippi Community College, and completing extensive legal training through the Mississippi Judicial College and the National Association of Court Management.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gary was known for his kind and welcoming personality that made everyone feel at home in his presence. His strong work ethic and passion for serving others left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Family always held a special place in Gary’s heart, and he adored his grandchildren beyond measure.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Donnie and Beatrice Tippit.
In addition to his loving grandchildren, Gary Lloyd “Trey” Tippit, III, McCurdy Marter Tippit and Delaney Todd Tippit, Gary leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion cherished by his surviving family members including his beloved wife, Joy Marter Tippit of Oakland; a devoted son, Lloyd Tippit and daughter-in-law Leah of Pope; caring sisters, Charolette Tippit Wilson of Canton and Kathy Tippit Burkhalter of Batesville.