Burl Donell McCord

Burl Donell McCord, 81, of Stringer, MS, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS. He was born on June 9, 1945 in Stringer. As a child, he attended Mossville School and later graduated from Stringer High School in 1964. After high school, he proudly served his country in the US Army National Guard and the Mississippi National Guard where he earned the Marksman Expert, M14 Rifle qualification and the Mississippi Longevity Medal with an honorable discharge in 1971. Burl, as he was known in the pipeline industry, was a 62 year member of Pipeline Local 798 out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He worked as a welder for 42 years throughout the United States and on the Alaskan Pipeline. In his later years, he worked as an inspector on various union pipelines. He was well thought of and respected by coworkers and dedicated himself to hard work and “an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.” Donell, as he was known to family, neighbors, and close friends, had a strong Christian faith and loved his family. He was a lifelong member of Pleasant Home Baptist Church in Laurel where he served as a deacon at various times. Throughout the years, he enjoyed fishing, farming, and spent much of his time cleaning and working his property on his tractor. He started every day with a cup of black coffee on the back porch. If he wasn’t outside working, he could be found in his La-Z-Boy recliner, watching old westerns or reading the farm bulletin, snacking on cashews, salted peanuts, or toasted pecans. He enjoyed time with his wife, Linda, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandbabies. At family get-togethers, he could often be found playing Cornhole, visiting and laughing. He was a man of few words, but he enjoyed talking and joking around with short, humorous remarks. He shared his wisdom and advice when asked or when he felt led to help. Donell had a contagious laugh that made you smile. Donell was preceded in death by his parents, Burl D. and Parsada McCord of Stringer; father and mother-in-law, Ray and Pearl Hamm of Soso; and son-in-law, Dean Russell, also of Stringer. Donell is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Linda Hamm McCord of Stringer; son, Bryan (Diane) McCord of Spring Hill, Tennessee; daughter, Miriam (Chris) Chisholm of Stringer; son, Clint (Crystal) McCord of Stringer; two sisters, Brenda (George) Harrick and Maxine Bower; grandchildren, Ryan (Lauren) McCord, Olivia (Cody) Patrick, Wesley (Dakota) McCord, William (Shelby) McCord, Kara McCord, Davis McCord, Eli McCord, and Joshua (Bailey) Chisholm; two great-granddaughters Blaire and Vivian McCord; and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. with a remembrance service at 3:00 p.m. at Memory Chapel in Laurel, Mississippi. Immediately following, a graveside service and interment will be at Matthews Cemetery, 388 Matthews Road, Laurel, MS 39443. The service will be led by Dr. Dave Moran of Pleasant Home Baptist Church, with the eulogy given by Bro. Alan McCord of Springhill Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be grandsons Ryan McCord, Cody Patrick, Wesley McCord, Will McCord, Davis McCord, and Eli McCord. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Pleasant Home Baptist Church, 462 Matthews Road, Laurel, MS 39443. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Burl Donell McCord

June 9, 1945 - June 13, 2026