Class updates

THE 60TH REUNION FOR THE MURRAH HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1964

THE DATE:   Friday April 5th, and Saturday April 6th, 2024

LOCATIONS:  Friday,  April 5:  The home of Suzan (Brown) and Tommy Thames, 1 Bridgewater  

                   Lane Ridgeland, MS 39110, from 5:30 pm until 8 pm.

                  Saturday evening:  THE JACKSON YACHT CLUB ON THE REZ,  700 Yacht Club Drive,

                   Ridgeland, MS 39110, from 7 pm until 10 pm.

PRAYER BREAKFAST: SATURDAY MORNING AT THE HEIDELBERGS, 145 Brae Burn Drive,                

                                       Jackson, MS at 10 am.

Saturday  noon to 3 pm: On your own for lunch or visit the Fondren area, The District or 

                                        The Renaissance in Ridgeland

All events are casual

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R W McCarley
I [Joe S.] talked with Mary Grace McCarley today. RW is bed confined with late stages of Alzheimer’s.She says they are fine. She says he is happy with a good disposition... watches TV all day and is eating well. She has a sitter who comes from one till five o’clock every day so she can go to the store. [She] Just wanted everybody to know.

Jim Burwell
"Jim Burwell left this world peacefully in his sleep ...
My mom, Linda & sisters, Natalie Burwell Ray & Heather Burwell Barkley appreciate all of your prayers and kindness. I will let you know about arrangementts later today. We will try our best to make his service restaurant biz appropriate for all our friends in the industry. He was a good man and will be greatly missed. RIP, Boppa!"
...this from Hollie Burwell Hull, via FaceBook, 5/3/2022...

"Arrangements for Jim Burwell were as follows:
Visitation was Friday, May 6th at 2:00 p.m. at Sebrell Funeral Home in Ridgeland. The celebration of life was held at 3:00 for family and friends to recall their favorite memories of Jim. We'd all loved to hear stories from his amazing life. 

Gloria “Ann” May passed away peacefully at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS
Friday May 20 2022 at the age of 75. Ann was a graduate of Murrah High School & Belhaven College in Jackson MS. Ann worked as a dental hygienist most of her life, but her heart and passion was in her love of horses. Ann raised, trained and showed her horses around Mississippi in dressage, carriage, show jumping and was an avid follower of hounds in Fox hunting. Ann’s farm in Bentonia was the beginning of many young children's love of horses as she taught lessons in the care, riding safety and the basics of that led many youth to a lifetime relationship in the equine world. A memorial service will be held at Ogden Baptist Church in Bentonia Mississippi on June 12, 2022 at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Mississippi Horse Rescue, 184 Twelve Oaks Road, Canton Mississippi 39046.
Services: Sunday, June 12, 2022, 12:00 P
[copied from Facebook.]
Ogden Baptist Church
6530 Highway 433 West,
Bentonia, Mississippi 39040

Cy Vance, Bailey Teacher and Coach, Passes Jan, 28th
Cy Reese Vance was born April 25, 1936 in Itta Bena, MS. He died Jan. 28, 2022, at the age of 85, suffering a heart failure. He graduated from Millsaps College with a Master's Degree in Education. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. He began his career coaching and teaching English at Bailey Junior High School in Jackson MS. He was then offered an Assistant Principal position at Callaway Highschool. He then became the first Headmaster of Brandon Academy. He developed Junior and High school curriculums that grew the school’s student attendance for years to come.

A new job offer came his way that allowed him to become Director of The State's Department of Parks and Recreation. After serving in this position for several years, he had the opportunity to start his own business. He was a pioneer in the Satellite Dish Telecommunications field and came to be known in the community for his expertise and knowledge. This experience led him to become the agency's Director of Technology for MS Public Broadcasting. He worked there 17 years, retiring in 2013. He was commended by Governor Phil Bryant for his work with MPB and EdNet which provided broadband internet services for hundreds of underserved schools.

He was a star quarterback for Itta Bena High School, and he was well-known for his ability to sing like Frank Sinatra and won several talent competitions. He loved listening to the musuc of Perry Como, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, and Glen Campbell.

He enjoyed watching all types of sports on TV and was always looking for the latest television technology. His children would kid him about his goal to always have the biggest TV in the family. He was an avid reader and enjoyed reading novels by John Grisham, James Patterson, and Buddy Norton, an Itta Bena native. He loved family events and attending all his grandchildren’s special occasions. He enjoyed spending time with his loving wife, Kathy, of 40 years and their dog, Bella.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Vance; three daughters - Susan Flannigan (Steve), Margaret Clark (Rudy), and Donna Ezell (Gerald); son, Bill Devine; sister- Becky Swords; 8 Grandchildren; 5 Great Grandchildren and beloved nieces and nephews. Mr, Vance was a good teacher, mentor, supervisor and friend. [Copied from Facebook, with edits.]

Jim White Passes Jan, 24th
James (“Jim”) M. White, age 76, retired Executive Vice President and former Director of Jackson Newell Paper Company, died peacefully and went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 24, 2022, at University of Mississippi Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Jim was the son of Cyril M. White and Velma Sweet White, born on Christmas Day 1945.

A 1964 graduate of Murrah High School and a 1969 graduate of Mississippi State University, Jim was a lifelong resident of Jackson. He would have celebrated the 50th anniversary of his marriage to his beloved bride, Sandi, March 18, 2022.

Jim and Sandi were married in 1972 and joined Christ United Methodist Church in 1974. He was a man of deep faith, and they remained loyal members there for decades.Noted by all who knew him for his warmth, humor, ready smile and wry wit, Jim was an avid fisherman – beginning with his grandfather in the Mississippi Delta and continuing with his parents and
younger brother at the family cabin near D’Lo and later at the family farm near Terry. Jim took pride in teaching all of his children to fish at early ages. Spending time at the farm became a favorite family outing for many years. His love of fishing expanded as his son got older, taking many trips together to the Louisiana marshes to catch speckled trout and redfish. Jim is also described as something of a horticultural pioneer, noting that he successfully grew tomatoes hydroponically, “farm-to-table”, before that was fashionable, termed by his children as “Dad’s Upside-Down Bucket Tomatoes.” Jim’s love of sports began early in life, attending sporting events with his father who was coach and referee. Little League was a big part of Jim’s childhood, making many memories and friends as a member of teams such as the Pine Sol Kids. Jim’s affinity for all things sports carried into his adult life, always counted on to know the daily lineup of games, matches, and tournaments. He was also a devoted Mississippi State Bulldog fan, faithfully attending games with Sandi, friends, and the kids for decades. Most recently, Jim rejoiced in State’s first ever National Championship as winners of the College Baseball World Series in 2021! Jim began his career at the paper
company working summers in the warehouse as a teenager under the guidance of his father, longtime business executive in Jackson, and they began full-time work there together upon Jim’s graduation from college where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. His love of food (which he never lost) led him to assume the role of Kitchen Manager for the fraternity, earning him the nickname “Mother White”. As an alumnus, he was instrumental in raising funds for a new on-campus chapter house and joined in actions to honor the brotherhood’s long-term house mother, Mom Adams.  

Jim was beloved by numerous loyal customers he developed and cultivated over many years in Vicksburg as well as the Jackson area. He truly loved his work and his customers; faithfully attending to each one’s needs and never missing the opportunity to end the work week with crab legs at a customer's Friday night seafood buffet! The love of Jim’s life was his family, never failing to attend – along with Sandi – basketball games, tennis matches, baseball games (even practices), swim meets, Jackson Prep Pacer performances, dance recitals, piano recitals, choir concerts and more of his son and his two daughters. His loving devotion extended to his three grandchildren, ages 12, 6, and 5, cherishing every moment with them. Affectionately known as both Granddaddy and G’Dada, Jim never turned down a game of Old Maid, a push in the swing, or request to read a favorite book. His brother, Larry, commented that the welfare of Jim’s family governed every decision he made. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his daughter Karen Ann White, daughter Kristi White Stuckey (Alan), and son Kevin James White (fiancée, Melody Amanda Frusha), grandchildren Meredith Campbell Stuckey, Miller James Stuckey, and Baker Alan Stuckey, brother Larry Joe White (Helen Carter Hoyt), father-in-law, Rev. Percy Miller Campbell, brother-in-law, Stan Campbell, sister-in-law, Joyce Campbell Perry (Don) and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his oldest daughter Faith White, who died in infancy, his mother-in-law Emma Gene Campbell, and his sister-in-law Betsy Reno White. Jim's funeral service was held on Monday, January 31, 2022, at Christ United Methodist Church Jackson at 2:00 pm, with visitation at the church at 1:00 pm. Memorials may be made to The Arthritis Foundation, Christ United Methodist Church Jackson, and Mississippi State University. ....this obituary of Jim White is thanks to LaRue Owen, from Facebook [edited]

"I'm Joe Schmelzer, the class of '64 communications representative. The class will be very sorry to hear that you and the class have lost Glen [Mouton]. We shared many school years together. I recall how smart he was. Very few students attain the National Merit Scholar achievement. Like many of our class, Glen moved from the Jackson area, and went on to a high level of professional achievement. I personally am very sorry for your loss."
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It might slow the class of 1964, but it can't stop us! If anyone knows of any classmate
who has the virus and wants to share news with the class just let me know. As you know in the interest of privacy any comments to our newsletter are NOT shared with everyone. Any news for the class, an obit. or prayer request will gladly be published. This site doesn't have the capacity to provide a personal message board for classmates.

That being said, I can't express my thanks and appreciation for the comments and support I receive from our class. It is apparent that this class truly cares for each other, and that makes it all worthwhile.  

Stay safe! Joe S. at Murrah64class@gmail.com

The passing of classmate Don Guild.  
Don had several health issues over the past few years. Don had a long career in the medicine. Along with his Medical Degree, he also had a degree in Law. His favorite hobby was Old Trains and anything associated with trains. He bought acerage in Madison County and created a Train Museum. It was complete with several old locomotives, depots, and related antiques.

He was happiest when children came to visit. He loved to show them how to operate a train, and tell them locomotive history and related stories.

My last visit with Don was when he purchased a very old locomotive bell that was passed down from my grandfather. I asked him if he was going to mount it on one of his museum trains. No, he said proudly, I'm going to build a table and put it in my living room, so I can view it daily.

Here is a link to the obituary:
Link to the obituary

Thanks to John Winbigler for forwarding this obit.

Class, I regret to report the passing of Coach Jack Carlisle on July 27. He meant so much to many of you how were coached by this legend. I became his student of American History.
We became personal friends later in life. I had the pleasure of working with him on his biography, the book "Cactus Jack". He had a heart attack last 2 weeks ago. When I talked to Bubba Hubbard, his son in law, he had just returned home. Bubba said he was weak but improving. We thought he may just make it. He would have been 92 on his next birthday. Jack was a legend as a foot-ball coach and life mentor to many. He might be the toughest man in heaven, but then there'll be Jimbo Lane to challenge him for that title.
From: Joe Schmelzer 

From Sarah Morris (FB) .. Mary Lee Sweat passed away April 10 after a lengthy illness.
Please keep her husband, Tom and family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Charlotte asked me to let you all know that "she is deeply touched by all of the members of MHS '64 who added her to the class prayer list." The surgery went well and she is at home recovering. She added "Again, there were classmates that helped me to be able to return home. You will always remain special to me. Thanks for your blessings, Charlotte." She keeps us all focused & pursuing excellence at each event. Welcome home Charlotte.
Joe S.

Easter Sunday 4/5/21, Gloria Minor, mother of Paul Minor, passed away at the age of 96.
For those of us who grew up going to Boyd, and spent most afternoons after school playing with Classmates in Broadmore, Mrs Minor was a mother away from home. She fed us snacks, put bandaids on our scrapes and watched over our activities in the neighborhood. She was a beautiful lady in every respect. She will be missed by all who knew her. Please keep Paul and Jeff Minor in your thoughts and prayers at this time.

Mike Wallace passed away 01/22/2021.
Please keep Mike’s Family in your prayers. He had a stroke, fell, broke ribs and his back and has been in a wheelchair for several years. [from Dale Ferber, via Cheri Pitts Facebook]

William Byron (Bill) Dollarhide, 74, of Pensacola, FL, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2021. Bill was born in Greenwood, Mississippi, on March 1, 1946, the son of Roger Freeman
and Adelaide McCaslin Dollarhide, both musicians. He was a graduate of Murrah High School in Jackson, MS where his father was band director.

Bill found lifelong joy in music & helping others find the music in themselves. His career included his early years as a band director in Mississippi to his final dream of a place to foster young musicians, music educators, and an entire musical community in Pensacola. Bill and his wife, Margaret, owned and operated Dollarhide’s Music in downtown Pensacola for 28 years. Bill was a past president of the Pensacola Symphony Orch board of directors, and served on that board for many years. He was a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Music Merchants and was well known and loved in the music industry. He is preceded in death by his father, Roger Freeman Dollarhide, mother, Adelaide McCaslin, and brothers, Roger, Jr. and Jim. Survived by his wife of 51 yrs, Margaret Peden Dollarhide, and one brother, David (Chris) of Orange Park, FL, as well as five nieces and nephews: David Dollarhide, Jr. (Kelly) of Orange Park, Florida, Anne Dollarhide of Atlanta, Georgia, Jim  
Dollarhide, Jr., John Dollarhide (Haley), and Kate Wilkins (Cody) of Jackson, MS. Other survivors include: his brother-in-law, Robert H. Peden, Meridian, Mississippi. A Graveside Service [was] held in Jackson, Mississippi at Lakewood Memorial Gardens with the Reverend
Robert H. Peden officiating. Final arrangements [were] handled by Harper Morris Memorial
Chapel, Pensacola, Florida. Memorial contributions may be made to Pensacola Symphony Orch.

205 Zaragoza St, Pensacola, FL 32502 and the National Alzheimer’s Association. (This
information thanks to LaRue Owen and Cheri Pitts on FaceBook)

Regret to inform the class of the passing of Butch Harms, husband of classmate Dianne Powle. Dianne and Butch had a very happy and adventurous life together. They attended Reunions and kept in touch with several in our class.

Please keep Emmie Carmichael and her family in your prayers. Her husband, John passed away this morning. He was Class of ‘62.

"Classmate Jimmy Gipson died of cancer the first week of November with a memorial service
in Houston. TX. Ken Carver, fraternity brother and roommate at MS STATE, informed Joe. Please keep Jimmy's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers." ...this copied from Cheri Pitts' Facebook Post, November 21. 

 Carolyn Hull died on November 18th. She was a physical education teacher at Bailey.
Service was Monday, the 24th, at Parkway. 

Beverly Bone Ware, Beverly's sister Ginger has reported Beverly's passing. Visitation was held on Thursday, October 1st 2020, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, 7427 Old Canton Rd in Madison Funeral service held, Thursday October 1st, 12:00 PM at the same location.

 Janet Alexander passed away after suffering a stroke recently. 

Carol Gardner West has also passed. Your prayers are appreciated. 

 Joe reports, "I was just informed by Clant Seay that DAVID PEPPER has also passed.
I don't know anything else." August 2020 

Please keep our classmate Gayle Grant in your thoughts and prayers. Her son Robby passed away last night.. Prayers for Gayle, Roddy’s son and family.
(reported on Facebook by Cheri Pitts) 

Prayers for Janet Alexander Coburn. Request from her sister Jane.. Janet had a cerebral hemorrhage Sunday night and is in intensive care on a respirator. Jane is on her way down to St. Petersburg to help .. the family needs our prayers and thoughts .. COVID restrictions are in place so Jane isn't sure if she’ll be able to get into the hospital. All prayers are appreciated.
(reported on Facebook by Cheri Pitts) 

Classmate, Karen Cunningham passed on May, 2020. Click here for the obituary, please.

I regret to inform all of you of the passing of classmate Linda Burgeis Sullivan, and the wife of classmate Don Sullivan. They had been married for 53 years.
(reported by joe schmelzer III) 

Toni Randall just informed us that classmate BILLY "Mac" MacLENNAN passed away today Feb. 1, 2020 at approximately 6:45 p.m. central time. I know many of you would like to know more about Billy Mac's life and story over the past several years. There is no obituary at this time, but I will forward one as soon as it's available. If anyone has some comments they would like to share please send them [to Joe S.} and I will attempt to pass them on to all. I personally remember Billy as a fun loving, friendly, dependable person who cared deeply about this class and his family and friends. 

Chief Master Sergeant Thomas Hardy (Ret) passed away October 30, 2019, peacefully at home in Jackson, Mississippi. After nine years of disability following a severe stroke. He is now in the hands of his God, able to walk, talk, and smile.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Callaway Hardy, who lovingly cared for him. Thomas, born in Jackson, was a graduate of Murrah High School 1964 and Mississippi State University 1970. He enlisted in the United States Air Force following MSU in 1970 serving his active duty stationed at McDill AFS in Tampa, Florida. Following discharge; he returned home to Jackson and became
a member of the 172nd Airlift Wing of the Air National Guard Readiness Center where he rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

Retiring after 30 years of service. He loved the military and made sure to wear his uniform when the opportunity arose. After leaving active duty, he went to work at Sound & Communications followed by starting his own computer networking company MS Data Cable.
Tommy spent his youth roaming the hills of Fondren getting in to all kinds of trouble. His college summers were spent working at Lakeview Marina where he met his wife to be. Years later, becoming "Chief" to his 4 grandchildren. Thomas loved working with anything electrical or mechanical. He could "fix" anything. He loved to construct electronic items such as LED clocks, way before you could go to a store and buy them, receivers, and TVs. Though not a hunter, he loved to shoot which he did often at the family farm and local shooting ranges. He was not athletic, but he loved being involved with his son’s teams. He kept busy replacing break shoes on his daughter's car!! He used his talent at his church Broadmoor Baptist on mission trips with the music ministry and "The Following” drama working with lighting and sound.

He was the son of Colonel BD and Verna Hardy, deceased. He is survived by his wife, Carol, of 49 years; daughter Michelle Hawkins (Russ); son Benjamin; granddaughters Ainsley, Meredith, Elise, and grandson Aidan; brother David Hardy (Christi) and sister Debbie McElreath (Calvin). Thank you, to the many friends and caregivers over the years; including Earleen Robinson, Dr. Dianne Ferguson and the support of the Veterans Administration. Memorial contributions may be sent to Broadmoor Baptist Church, Madison, MS. 

This from and about Shirley and Janie...in case you didn't read Joe's email:
Thanks for all the prayers. The lungs are doing much better and I am able to get out and about.
The side effects from the medicine will probably remain and it will be something I have to live
with. The chances of the side effects going away are almost nil. I really appreciate all the prayers.
Many thanks,
Shirley 

On Oct 30, 2019, Joe Schmelzer III wrote:
In conversions with Shirley and Janie yesterday, they requested your thoughts and prayers for
their current medical (Shirley) and California fires situation (Janie).

Shirley is undergoing continuing medical conditions that she explains in the following:

"I still need prayers please!! Having sever side effects from a medication that may not go away
and upper respiratory infection still continues! I am really having a time and would appreciate
everything in the prayer line and good thoughts.
Thank You."

Janie reports the following on her situation dealing with the devastating fires.

I am safe. The condo is safe. Huge winds bigger than before expected tonight after 11:00 through tomorrow. I will continue to stay with my friend for two reasons... fires could make my home become a mandatory evacuation easily and I got a good sleep at Carla's and can meet
today with a smile. So far so good. I am greatly refreshed. I will not go home tonight.

Please ask the Class to pray for the fires to end and for the firefighters who are incredible in the job they are doing.

I will pass on any news I get from Shirley and Janie. They do appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Murrah Class of '64. The class that stays together,
Joe 

This from Anne Smith that Gee Gee has died. She was in ICU in a Memphis Hospital.
Her body has been taken to a funeral home in Oxford. Anne thought a service would be held in the Episcople Church in Oxford.

Gee Gee [was] in the hospital in Memphis. I don’t know the details except she was said to have had blood on both sides of the brain, according to daughter Annabelle. I think she was in a coma. Jimmy Reed and Annabelle drove her to the hospital. Today, June 10th, [was] Gee Gee’s birthday.

Jimbo Lane, Murrah 1962, died at hospice ministries in Ridgeland, MS. I know that Jimbo's family and friends will appreciate our thoughts and prayers. Memorial service was Saturday, April 6, at 1:00 pm in The Natchez Trace Funeral Home, Ridgeland, MS.