Charles L. “Les” Dale, age 66, of Leakesville, passed from this life on January 13, 2025 to be with his Heavenly Father, something he strived to do his entire life. Bro. Dale was born on December 7, 1958 to Charles and Gloria Dale in Biloxi, Mississippi. He grew up in Ocean Springs and graduated in June 1976. He retired from Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula where he worked for more than 40 years as a ship design manager. He was residing pastor at First Baptist Church, McLain, where he enjoyed serving the Lord. Les had many roles as father, husband, son, brother, and uncle, but his most cherished role was Grandad. He could be found on the farm taking joy rides on his motorcycle or spending time with his family and friends. He will surely be missed by those that loved him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Henry Dale; and grandparents, Laottis Elmer and Margaret Cochran Smith and C. H. and InaLee Cooper Dale.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 40 years, Janet Lynn Dale of Leakesville; daughter, Kasey Renee Dale of Leakesville; sons, Charles Bradley (Amy) Dale of Leakesville and Zachary Laottis Dale of Hattiesburg; grandchildren, Kaley Roberts, Brylee Roberts, Easton Roberts, Harlie Anna Dale, and Slater Dale; mother, Gloria Nell Smith Dale of Ocean Springs; sister, Tammy Elizabeth Dale of Ocean Springs; and a host of very special nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joe Amos Thompson spent his long, productive life as a Southern Baptist preacher who was unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and sharing it with thousands of parishioners — the plan of salvation and the rewards of knowing Jesus and having eternal life. Joe was born on a farm in Attala County (Koscuisko), Mississippi on October 30, 1931. He realized the promises of his lifetime of serving God and humanity when he met Jesus face to face from Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Joe graduated from Koscuisko High School, received his BA from Mississippi College and completed his theological education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Bro. Thompson pastored churches in central and south Mississippi many years, spent over 25 years as Senior Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Blytheville, Ark., and completed his pastorate in a small country Baptist Church in Arkansas. After he moved back to Mississippi, he was in great demand as a supply pastor and revivalist. A great Biblical scholar, Bro. Joe knew the scriptures with great intellect and profound delivery. He loved reading and studying the Bible and sharing the word of God all his life.
A man of dry wit and keen intellect, he was blatantly honest with the Gospel and in his approach to his fellow man. What you saw was what you got! A master woodworker, he could do most anything with his hands and created many masterpieces out of wood which today are prized possessions. He was a member of the First Baptist Church-Plantersville at his death.
Bro. Joe leaves behind his wife, Jean Hendrick Thompson of Tupelo and her family; several grandchildren including Shelby Moore of Blytheville, who maintains the Thompson family residence there, and her children Willow Beagles and Silas Beagles. He was preceded in death by his parents; his two children, Derwood Thompson and Beverly Thompson; his first wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Thompson, the mother of his children; his second wife, Sue Weeks Thompson; and a baby brother.
Dr. Frank Harmon went home to be with His Father on Monday, January 13,2025. Dr. Harmon was a dedicated Baptist minister for over 54 years where he served numerous churches all over the state of Mississippi, including First Baptist Newton for 19 years. His gentle spirit and bold love for the Lord was evident to all of the many people that served alongside him, but his greatest joy was his family. His commitment to his wife, Nancy was exemplified as he preached his last sermon on December 15th, their 51st wedding anniversary. A testament of his faith was evident in the way he raised his two children, Betsy and Micah, and left behind a legacy for his six grandchildren to follow. He never missed a Sunday and officiated countless ceremonies, the last one being his granddaughter Mollie’s wedding on November 23rd.
Frank was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed many days in the woods or on the lake with his son and grandsons. He shared these special moments not only with his family but also many others he considered his sons. His deer camp was a sanctuary to many. He will be remembered by all who loved him as a faithful and humble servant of the Lord.
He leaves behind his wife, Nancy Wall Harmon of Brandon; son, Micah Harmon (Nicole) of Hickory; daughter, Betsy Potter (Steve) of Madison; grandchildren, Mollie Partridge (Kameron), Hannah Potter, Caleb Potter, Bailey Potter, Hallie Rose Harmon and Jon Cole Harmon; brother, Gary Harmon (Lesha) of Bailey; multiple nieces and nephews.
Bro. Carl Morris, age 84, passed away at Baptist Memorial-Oxford on December 8, 2024. Carl was born Carl Leon Morris on August 23, 1940, to the late Hosea Bailey Morris and Jenny Lee Hill Morris in Chickasaw County.
Carl was a beloved pastor throughout his life, ministering to many churches in the areas of Pheba, Clarkson, Sparta, Calhoun County, Arkansas and retired while serving as pastor at Hoinlinden Baptist Church. He was loved at every church he pastored throughout his time of ministry.
A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 2 PM at Houston Funeral Home in Houston, MS with Bro. Parish Hartley officiating. Visitation will be from 1 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. The burial will be at Woodland Cemetery in Woodland, MS. Houston Funeral Home is honored to serve the Morris Family.
Serving as pallbearers are James Morris, Lee Morris, Paul Morris, Jimmy Weaver, Rocky McGee, and Scott Gann.
He is survived by his children, Kathy (Travis) Kent of Mantee, MS, Donna (Mark) Chard of Little Rock, AR, Leon (Amanda) Morris of Woodland, MS, Randy (Judith) Morris of Woodland, MS; grandchildren, Nikkie Morris, Marty Black, Tony Black, Kari Gann, Roger Morris, and Rocky McGee; 19 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Nell Faye Levitt of Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettie Ann Morris; parents, Hosea Bailey and Jenny Lee Morris; daughter in law, Pam Morris; brothers, Roy Morris, Don Morris, HB Morris, and Harold Morris; and a grandson, TJ Bryant.
James A. Sadler, Jr., 87, of Liberty, MS, passed from his earthly shell very peacefully at home on December 11, 2024 surrounded by his family. He began preaching when he was 17 years old. He graduated Anding High School in Bentonia, MS; Received his undergraduate from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS; And earned his Masters degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While pursuing his education, he served several churches throughout the Mississippi Delta. After completing his education, he served in numerous churches in Mississippi and Alabama. He also served as Chaplain at Feliciana Forensic Facility in Jackson, LA for 19 years. He preached the word of his Lord and Savior faithfully for 68 years. His faithfulness and his servant heart was evident in his daily walk.
James was born, as he loved to say, “In the back bedroom” on July 15, l937 to James Arden Sadler, Sr. and Annie Laura Bradshaw Sadler of Bentonia, MS.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years Nadene Huff Sadler along with his siblings, children, grands and dear friends. All of whom he cherished and loved.
Rev. Ronnie “Jiggs” Maxie, age 79, of Richton, passed from this life on November 27, 2024, in Hattiesburg. Rev. Maxie is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Maxie of Richton; sons, Scott (Peggy) Maxie of Lucedale and Jon Mark (Seneca) Maxie of Canyon Lake, TX; 6 grandchildren, Mystica (Nick) Hulsman of Hiram, ME, Alyse Maxie, of Lucedale, Jackson and Easton Maxie, both of Moss Point, Cadence Hamilton and Shepherd Maxie, both of Canyon Lake, TX; sisters, Elaine (Robert) Lassiter of Richton, Beth Bates of Monticello, AR, Lynn (Burnie) Dykes, Laura (Mike) Flowers, of Decatur, AL, and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded by in death by his parents, Hilluard and Frances Edith Maxie; grandson, Matthew Maxie; brothers, George David Maxie, Mike “Jake” Maxie and H. C. “Pistol” Maxie.
Rev. Maxie was a U. S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, where he received the Purple Heart. He was a retired Baptist minister after serving for over 45 years in churches in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. He was a member of the Mississippi Southern Baptist Church convention and member of the First Baptist Church of Richton.
