27 March 2014 Obits

Carlis "Bulldog" Kufel
The Clarke County Tribune
Mr. Carlis Kufel, 91, passed to his heavenly home Wednesday, March 19, 2014.
     Mr. Kufel was a member of First Baptist Church of Quitman, MS where he taught youth boys in Sunday School for many years. He retired from Meridian Coca Cola Bottling Co. after 38 years and served as a Quitman Volunteer Fireman. After retirement he enjoyed meeting with his "buddies" at Hardees and visiting and eating lunch at the Senior Citizen Center "catching up on all the news".
     His main hobby was visiting and talking, never meeting a stranger. "Paw Paw" enjoyed all sports and with pride saw his grandchildren achieve in sports and other events.
     Mr. Kufel is survived by a daughter, Wanda Kufel Murray (Larry) of Enterprise, MS; a son, Larry Jimerson (Jeanette) of Butler, AL; a son-in-law, David Overby of Enterprise, MS; four grandsons, Brent Overby, Birmingham, AL, Dustin Murray, Birmingham, AL, Jay Jimerson, Butler, AL and Shane Jimerson, Butler, AL; one brother, Tony Kufel (Gertis) Houma, LA; ten great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty six years, Ruby Gibson Kufel and a daughter, Lena Kufel Overby.
     Funeral services were held Saturday, March 22, 2014, at Wright's Funeral Home in Quitman at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Charles Waddell and Rev. Taylor Wallace officiating. Visitation was held from 11:00 a.m. until time for service. Interment followed at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Quitman.
     Pallbearers were Johnathan Jimerson, Jason Jimerson, Shane Jimerson, Jay Jimerson, Dustin Murray and Brent Overby.
     In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to your favorite church or charity.
     Online condolences can be given at wrightsfuneral.com.

Clara Belle West
The Clarke County Tribune
Clara Belle West, 81, of Shubuta, MS, passed away on March 18, 2014, at Wisteria Manor.
     She was born on April 18, 1932, to Leroy and Sally (Hailes) Mixon in Shubuta.
     Clara is survived by her sons, David (Beverly) West and Danny (Ramona) West; granddaughter, Casey (Shawn) Bozeman and six great grandchildren.
     She was preceded in death by her husband, W. L. West Jr.
     Visitation was held Wednesday, March 19, 2014, after 5:00 p.m. at Wright's Funeral Home, Quitman, MS.
     Graveside services were held on Thursday, March 20, 2014, 3:00 p.m. at the West Pleasant Grove Church Cemetery with Rev. Keith Bogan officiating.
     Pallbearers were Andy West, John Blackburn, Lee Blackburn, Shawn Bozeman, Ernie Culbreth and Mike Culbreth. Honorary Pallbearer was Bob Jones.
     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Pleasant Grove Cemetery Fund, 11078 C. R. 280, Vossburg, MS 39366. Online condolences can be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.

Ruthie S. Reynolds
The Clarke County Tribune
Ruthie S. Reynolds, 77, of Quitman, MS, passed away on March 21, 2014, at her residence.
     She was born on July 9, 1936, to Lewis and Virginia (Taylor) Smith in Quitman.
     Ruthie is survived by her sons, Keith (Lisa) Reynolds and Terry (Pam) Reynolds; daughter-in-law, Robin Diaz; brothers, Jack Smith and Ray Smith; sisters, Earline Reeves and Faye White; nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
     She was preceded in death by her husband, Josey Reynolds; son, Donnie Reynolds and parents, Lewis Webb and Virginia Smith.
     Visitation was held Tuesday, March 25, 2014, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Wright's Funeral Home, Quitman.
     Memorial services were held on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, 1:00 p.m. at the Wright's Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ray Smith and Rev. Perry Smith officiating.
     Online condolences can be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.

Christine Elizabeth Johnson Buckley
The Clarke County Tribune
Services for Mrs. Christine Elizabeth Johnson Buckley were held on Monday, March 17, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Enterprise, MS, with Rev. J. Brian Ponder officiating. Interment followed in Enterprise Cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday at St. Mary's Church from 10-10:30 a.m.
     Christine Elizabeth Johnson Buckley, age 103, died on March 12. 2014, at Canon Hospice in Gulfport, MS.
     She was born on June 29, 1910, to Sarah (Sallie) Elizabeth Tullos and Henry H. Johnson in Hinds County, MS. Christine moved to Green Valley, in Jasper County, MS with her twin brother Henry Herbert Johnson at a young age to live with her foster parents, Hickey H. and Melvina Virginia Ryan Tedder. They moved to Enterprise in 1920. Christine was class President and Salutatorian of Enterprise Class of 1928. She was an Alumnus from the Alabama Business College in Birmingham, Alabama. After a few years working for the Bureau of Land Management in New Orleans, Louisiana, she returned to Enterprise.
     Christine Elizabeth Johnson married Laurence Bernard Buckley, Sr. on December 1, 1933. They joined St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Enterprise in 1933. After raising her  three children, she began to focus on her next career of being a civil servant. Christine served as an Alderwoman of Enterprise beginning in December 1974. She was elected for three terms as Mayor of Enterprise beginning in June 1981. Some of the major accomplishment as Mayor were: (1) obtaining a donation in 1981 from R.E. "Buster" Williams to build the present day colonial design Enterprise Town Hall; (2) obtaining a grant of $1 Million from the EPA to install the town's first sewage system; and (3) firewater protection coverage. She was the first Woman Mayor of Enterprise, and first Mayor to deliver such amenities as full-time fire protection, water and sewer service, regular garbage service, and a senior citizens center. She always listened to visitors and citizens and was extremely interested in making Enterprise a better community.
     She is survived by her daughter, Olga B. Buckley Karnovich, and her son, Laurence B. Buckley, Jr. (Martha). There are three grandchildren, Laurence B. Buckley, III, Kimberly A. Buckley, Parnell (Kevin), and Rennie L. Karnovich; and one great granddaughter, Lauren A. Wilson-Buckley.
     She was preceded by her mother and father; a daughter, Linda Ryan Buckley; and a son-in-law, John Karnovich.
     Pallbearers: Laurence B. Buckley, III, Kevin Parnell, Jeff Buckley, Jim Buckley, John Pat Wilkins, and Bill Baxley.
     Honorary Pallbearers: Burch Johnson, William Buckley, Jr., Clayton Earl McMillan, James Covington and Robert Priester.
     In lieu of flowers please send memorials to St. Mary's Episcopal Church PO Box 177, Enterprise, MS 39330.
     Family and friends may sign the online memorial, leave a personal note or order flowers at jamesfwebb.com.

Richard W. Lee
The Clarke County Tribune
Services for Richard W. Lee will be held Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at Enterprise Baptist Church at 10:30 a.m. with Brother Richard Cothern and Brother Macon Phillips officiating. Burial will be immediately following at Goodwater Cemetery in Clarke County.
     Richard, age 69, died Sunday, March 23, 2014, at his home. He was born and raised in Enterprise, MS, along with four sisters and two brothers. They, along with their Mother and Father, ran Lee's Truck Stop from the early 1940's to the mid-1960's. Richard then worked offshore for Chevron for 29 years as a Production Foreman. In 1989, he and his family returned to Enterprise, to his original homeplace.
     Richard was a lifetime member of Enterprise Baptist Church and also attended Goodwater United Methodist Church with his wife. He was a member of Enterprise Masonic Lodge and Hamasa Shrine. He encouraged their gift of giving to the Enterprise Volunteer Fire Department, Enterprise Elementary School Library, Enterprise High School Senior Citizenship award program and families in need at Christmas.
     He was a very active member of his family and community, assisting or doing anything for anybody. He loved being with his family and friends, expressing his faith in God and gratitude for his blessings. He was a very dedicated husband, father, family member and friend. He is loved and will be missed my many.
     Richard is survived by his wife of 32 years, Barbara McGowan Lee; their children- daughter, Christy Lee (Keith) King; son, Wesley Lee; and two grandchildren, Tyler King and Christin King. He is also survived by several brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, 22 nieces and nephews, 20 great nieces and nephews and five great-great nieces and nephews.
     He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Bill and Dutch Lee; brothers, Donald and Wayne Lee; sisters, Edwina L. Daniell, Jane L. Swancey, Judy L. Stemetzki and Jerree (Jo) Levitsky.
     Active pallbearers are Terry Lee, Kirk Prince, Tyler King, Neil McGowan, Dusty McGowan and Clay Carter. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Otho Stockman, John Austin Brown, Kenneth Rolison and Wendell George.
     Visitation was held at Wright's Funeral Home in Quitman, MS, on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
     In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Enterprise Baptist Church or a church of your choice. Online condolences may be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.