Obituaries
Lee Alexander Dunaway
Funeral service for Mr. Lee Alexander Dunaway will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at
Harmony Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Dunaway began his life journey October 20, 1971, born to Harper Lorraine Dunaway and
Betty Lou Reed Dunaway Eickenloff, he lived here 49 years, and entered eternity February 17, 2021.
Mr. Dunaway was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and Hinds Community College.
He was employed with King’s Daughters Medical Center and took great care with all those he served there.
Mr. Dunaway enjoyed life outside of work too, weightlifting, playing golf, and drawing were just a
few of his many hobbies. He also enjoyed working with patients in nursing homes. His greatest
accomplishment, though, was his family and he greatly loved to spend time with each of them,
he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his father; grandparents, Harper and Freddie Dunaway and
Lucius and Rosie Reed; and brother, Keith Whitehead.
Those left to cherish his memory are, his mother Betty Eickenloff and husband, Larry; son,
Blaine Alexander Dunaway; brothers, Chris Dunaway and wife, Sandy, Ben Dunaway and wife,
Annette, and David Dunaway and wife, Marklyn. He is also survived by nieces and nephews,
Heather Whitehead Blisset Thompson and husband, David, Caleb Dunaway and wife, Susanna,
Maura Dunaway, Anna Dunaway and Jacob Wiggins; and great nieces and nephews, Madison Dunaway,
Camille Dunaway, Seth Dunaway, Haize Thompson, Coen Thompson, Abel Thompson and Anniston Thompson;
and a special friend and colleague, Lauren Self, as well as other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers you may make donations to the Lee Dunaway Scholarship Fund at the
Bank of Franklin in Brookhaven, which will go toward his son’s education.
Alton Morris Smith
Private services for Alton Morris Smith of Brookhaven are Monday, February 22, 2021,
at Riverwood Family Funeral Service with burial at Ramah Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Alton Morris Smith, 73, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on
February 12, 2021. He was born on May 5, 1947, to the late John L. Smith and Willie Reese James Smith.
Mr. Smith was retired from Delphi Packard and was a member of Concord Baptist Church.
His 51+ years of marriage were blessed with a “happiness” that only God could bestow through
their love for each other and their faith in Him. The birth of a son was the ultimate joy for their home
and family. The many adventures, trips, and “all things” basketball created a lifetime of shared memories.
He was always encouraging young people to become the best they could be on the court and off the court.
His key word for basketball was “practice”. He will be missed by all who loved and knew him. Faith,
family, friends…(John 14:1-4)
Preceding him in death were his parents; his sister, Diane West; and niece, Lana Adams.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Julia Carol Smith; son, Alton Brooks Smith; brother,
John P. Smith and wife, Doris; brother-in-law, Gordan West; brother-in-law, Wayne Johnston and wife,
Sissy; sister-in-law, Melissa Lofton and husband, Roger; and his many special nieces and nephews
along with other loving family members and friends.
Tucker Wade Smith
Funeral services for Mr. Tucker Wade Smith, of Bogue Chitto will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 20, 2021
at Johnson Grove Church of Christ.
Mr. Tucker Wade Smith, 24, went to be with his Lord on February 15, 2021. He was born on March 1, 1996 to
Michel Robert Smith and Roslyn Brook Wallace (Kyzer).
Mr. Smith worked as a deckhand for Ingram Barge Company. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church
and enjoyed fishing and playing music. He also enjoyed being a good father and loved the tugboat life.
Preceding him in death were his paternal grandfather, Lenox Smith, and maternal grandfather, Ross Kyzer.
Those left to cherish his memory are his significant other, Haley Halford; his father, Michel Smith; his mother,
Roslyn Wallace (Tony); his daughter Ryleigh Mae Smith; and brothers, Hunter Smith and Micah Smith (Abby).
He is also survived by his grandparents, Ronnie and Betty Kuhn, and Kathy Etheridge.
F. J. “Jerry” Rein
Frederick Joseph “Jerry” Rein, son of Clarence Richard Rein and Ethel Ready Rein, was born on January 25, 1931, in Meridian, MS. He passed away at the age of 90 on February 13, 2021, in Madison, MS. While a student at Meridian High School, Jerry held several jobs including working at First National Bank in Meridian, which began a long and enjoyable career in the banking industry. Upon graduation from high school, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the First Marine Division, Chief of Staff Section, during the Korean War. As a 19-year-old, he fought in the Battle of the ChosinReservoir, an epic battle often referred to as the “Frozen Chosin” due to extreme frigid temperatures.
Upon completion of his service in the Marine Corps, Jerry returned to Meridian to marry his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Nell Young Rein, and to continue his education. While working at First National Bank in Meridian, he graduated from Meridian Junior College and completed his BS degree from State Teachers College in Livingston, AL (University of West Alabama).
In 1963, the Reins moved to Brookhaven, MS, where Jerry continued his career with Brookhaven Bank and Trust Company. Jerry took great pleasure is finding ways to help his customers achieve their financial goals. During his career, he was responsible for a number of advancements in the local market including the introduction of main frame computer systems and ATMs. Rein retired in 1993 as Executive Vice President ofTrustmark National Bank, the successor of Brookhaven Bank, and remained on the Advisory Board for many years.
Rein was a graduate of the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University and completed the Commercial Bank Management program at Columbia University and the Senior Bank Officers Management program at Harvard University. Jerry served as president of the following organizations in Brookhaven: Junior Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Brookhaven/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, United Fund of Lincoln County, and the Saint Francis School Board. He also served as treasurer of the Lincoln County March of Dimes and the Lincoln County Red Cross. He formerly served on the Zoning Committee for the City of Brookhaven and on the Bank Operations Automation Committee for the Independent Bankers Association of America (IBAA). He was also a member of the Mississippi Bankers’ Association and was recognized for 50 years of service to the industry in 2001. Rein served two terms as Mississippi Executive Councilman on the Board of the Independent Bankers Association of America and two terms as State Director of the Louisiana-Alabama-Mississippi Automated Clearing House Association. He served as President of the Krewe of Ceres in 1988 and was King of the Krewe in 1992.Rein was appointed in 1995 by Governor Fordice to the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Home Corporation, where he served two terms. He was a member and past treasurer of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
While he had many accomplishments, Jerry’s pride and joy was his family. He eagerly followed their activities and supported them in every way imaginable. Jerry’s deep love, concern and wise counsel will remain an inspiration. Jerry is survived by his son, F. Joseph “Joey” Rein, Jr., daughter-in-law Alice Watkins Rein, and grandsons William Joseph Rein and Richard Watkins Rein. Preceding him in death were his parents, Clarence and Ethel Rein, brothers Clarence Richard “Dick” Rein, Jr., and John Ready Rein, and his dear wife of 46 years, Nell Young Rein.
The family expresses their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Saint Catherine’s Village and Kindred Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Jerry. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 1092, Jackson, MS 39201, or King’s Daughters Medical Foundation, P. O. Box 3285, Brookhaven, MS 39603, or a charity of your choice. The family will hold a private service at a later date.
Donald Laron “Ronnie” Rutland
Funeral service for Donald Laron “Ronnie” Rutland will be 2 p.m. Sunday,
February 14, 2021 at Calvary Pentecostal Church with burial in the church cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, February 13, at Calvary.
Mr. Donald Laron “Ronnie” Rutland, 59, of Jayess, passed from this life and entered
eternity February 12, 2021. He began his walk here on earth March 15, 1961, born to
John Thomas “Buck” Rutland and Sarah Evon Dunaway. He was employed as a
heavy equipment operator in the construction business. He was a member of Calvary Pentecostal Church.
Mr. Rutland is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joe “PeeWee” Rutland and
John Patrick “Pat” Rutland; and sister, Birdie Mae Temple.
Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Jonathan Rutland of Jayess; daughters,
Laronda Boyd (Richie) of Jayess, MS, Lanita Blaylock (Craig) of Caledonia, MS; brothers,
Wendell Rutland (Sue), Braxton “Shorty” Rutland (Sandra), and Thomas “Tommy” Rutland (Cathy);
sisters, Barbara Janette Perry, Bonnie Phillips, and Glenda Marberry. He is also survived by ten grandchildren,
Cohen Boyd, Trenton Boyd, Declan Boyd, Dawson Boyd, Maddox Blaylock, Jaylen Blaylock, Khloe Blaylock,
Chapel Blaylock, Haven Rutland, and Honor Rutland, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Nellie Rie Dodd
Graveside service for Nellie Rie Dodd will be 11 a.m., Monday, February 15, at
Mt Olive Church of Christ Cemetery. Visitation is 10 a.m. at Riverwood Family.
Ms. Dodd, 76, passed from this life February 9, 2021. She was born February 8, 1945,
to Marley Burnell Bowman, Sr. and Gertrude Linton Bowman.
She worked over 20 years at Sanderson Farms and retired from there. She was busy even
after her retirement by caring for her family and enjoying her hobbies which included
gardening and collecting Navajo Indian relics. Ms. Dodd was always known as a
kind and gentle soul. She was a loving mother, sister, and aunt. She will be greatly
missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Coraline Bowman Davis.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Michael Dodd; brother, Marley Bowman, Jr.;
and sister, Mary Lee Smith, as well as other loving family members and friends.
Phillip Stephen Myers
Phillip Stephen Myers of Brookhaven, MS, passed away peacefully on February 9th 2021 of complications from
Covid-19. He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Pendergrass Myers and his father, Phillip Jacob Myers.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Hanks Myers, his daughter, Stephanie Leanne Myers-Boone, his sister, Martha
Phillis Myers-Thompson as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family, and his chihuahua pack: Bella, Chico
and Brown Chico.
Steve recently retired after almost 60 years working in the waterworks industry in the Southeastern U.S. Many
considered him to be "The King" of the business because there wasn't a pipe, valve, fitting, manhole ring or storm
drain that he didn't know the specifications of or a serial number he didn't have memorized. He enjoyed taking his
customers deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and hunting in Hill Country, Texas.
Steve met Nancy when he pulled the blue GTO he had named "Bernadette" up alongside her while she was
walking down the street in Brookhaven, MS. He asked where he could smoke a cigarette without the Whitworth College
faculty seeing. She felt sorry for him and accompanied him to a local park. Over the years, they left Mississippi,
lived all over the South, but eventually returned to Brookhaven where they first met.
He was happiest when he was fixing something whether it be a classic automobile, furniture or a lawnmower he
found in a junk pile somewhere. He was a handyman of the highest order. Everyone who knew him was aware
there was a right way, a wrong way, and the Myers way, which was the best way. He enjoyed wearing his
signature guayabera shirts while repairing things because there were four pockets: one for the small notebook
and pen he carried everywhere and the rest for tools.
He owned many classic cars over the years including a Maserati and a Jaguar. His favorite was a red 1972 Datsun 240z he
named "Gertrude" who he meticulously restored to greatness and eventually allowed his daughter to drive even
though he thought she always shifted it into second gear too soon.
Steve had an affinity for chihuahuas, especially the ugly ones no one else wanted and even owned multiple three-legged dogs.
He was a lover of Heinz ketchup and dark chocolates. He still played 8-tracks and vinyl on vintage stereo equipment.
He was a Doors fan of the highest order. He also believed Mississippi State Edam cheese was an appropriate Christmas
gift for all. Sometimes on a Saturday night after a cookout, he would go outside and bray like an ogre at the moon.
A celebration of his life will be held later this spring at his little cabin in Felixville when Covid-19 wanes and the weather
brightens. In the meantime, start a home improvement project in his honor, but remember it will take three times as long,
cost twice as much, and at least three trips to Home Depot will be involved. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send a donation
to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation or at least be bothered to change the lightbulbs in the house whenever they burn out.
Viola Rae Smith Dunn Reeves
Graveside service for Mrs. Viola Rae Smith Dunn Reeves will be 11 a.m., Saturday, February 13, at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Reeves, 86, of Bogue Chitto, passed from this life and entered eternal life February 8, 2021.
She began her walk here August 3, 1934, born to Ernest Smith and Mamie Dell Callender Smith.
She was a School Bus driver for many years and then retired from the United States Postal Service
where she worked as a mail deliverer. Mrs. Reeves was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and taught in
Discipleship Training Classes there. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Aubrey Dunn; sons, Michael Stephen Dunn (Becky)
and Timothy Ray Dunn (Susan); brothers, Roger Smith and Ernest Dale Smith; and sister, Mersades Smith Knight Dunnaway.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Billy Joe Reeves; sons, Jeffery Keith Dunn (Linda)
and Mark Patrick Dunn (Cindy); brothers, David Smith (Anita), Leo Smith (Kay), Carl Andrew Smith;
sister, Janice Lynn Smith Falvey; 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren as well as other loving family members and friends.
Edith Rose Smith
Graveside service for Edith Rose Smith will be 11 a.m., Friday, February 12, 2021, at New Sight Cemetery.
Mrs. Edith Rose Smith, 76, passed from this life February 7, 2021. She was born in Lomita, California,
October 25, 1944, to John Louis Rose and Reba Dell Hepp. Mrs. Edith worked in the United States Postal Service
as a mail deliverer. She would spend her free time crafting. She also enjoyed flower arranging, sewing and baking.
She will be missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Johnny Rose.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, John Cossey (LeeAnn), of New Caney, TX; daughter,
Bonnie Olmos (Samuel), of Brookhaven, MS; brother, Floyd Rose, of Plano, TX; sister, Reba Louise Oliver of Louisville, KY;
four grandchildren and five great grandchildren, as well as other loving family members and friends.
Maurice Alden Smith
Funeral Services for Mr. Maurice Alden Smith of Brookhaven are 11:00 am, Wednesday, February 10, 2021
at Southway Baptist Church with burial at Easthaven Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm, Tuesday, February 9, at the church.
Mr. Maurice Alden Smith, 86, went to be with his Lord on February 7, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on June 21, 1934, to the late Clemmie Adcock Smith and Velma Beatrice Beck Smith.
Mr. Smith loved his church family at Southway Baptist Church and loved singing in the choir.
He also enjoyed all types of woodworking. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Preceding him in death were his parent, first wife, Maxie Morris Smith and sister, Betty Boyte.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lucinda White Smith; son, Steven Smith and wife, Kendra,
and stepsons, Shane Dozier, and Brent Dozier; daughters, Melanie Green and husband, Michael and Judy Rushing and husband, Lane;
brother, Jerry Ralph Smith and wife, Kathleen and sisters, Linda Pippin and husband, Richard, Sheila Ard and Gale Fisher and husband, Paul,
Andrea Wright and husband, Charles.
He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Paul Alden Green, Sarah Green Broussard and husband, Neil, Allison Rushing, Lindsey Riggs and husband, Alex,
Taylor Perry and husband, Caleb, Chaney Dozier, Abbey Dozier, Kyle Dozier, Noah Dozier, Savannah Windham and his 5 great-grandchildren and special friends, Chris and Debbie Lloyd.
