Christopher Van (Chris) Posey

Christopher Van (Chris) Posey, 74, devoted family man, dynamic business leader, faithful community volunteer, and master story teller passed away November 12, 2018, after a 23-year valiant battle with cancer. He is survived by his cherished wife, Lynda Patton Posey, of 53 years, his beloved children, daughter Parker of New York City; son Chris and wife Collum and their children Isabella, Jack, and Christopher of Laurel. He is also survived by brothers Youree (Jean) of Houston; Mark (Kathy) and daughter Kaitlin of Laurel, and sister, Peggy Kehoe of Houston. He was preceded in death by his parents, Youree and Nautis Posey, sisters Mary and Toni, brother-in-law C.J. Kehoe, and niece Emilie Posey. Chris was born December 30, 1943, and grew up in Shreveport, LA where he graduated from St. John Berchman, a Jesuit school. He graduated (B.A.) from University of Louisiana Monroe (then Northeast Louisiana). While pursuing his master’s degree, he joined the U.S. Army where he served as an Intelligence Officer in Vietnam (July 1969 –1970), deployed overseas from his wife, Lynda, and twins, Chris and Parker, then only eight months old. After his service, he was honorably discharged as a U.S. Army Captain. Chris then joined his uncle’s Van-Trow auto dealership in Monroe, LA, where he shortly became sales manager. Chris then pursued his life-long goal of owning and operating his own dealership, forming Chris Posey Chevrolet in 1981 in Laurel, MS. Prior to opening his Laurel business, Chris advertised on radio and in newspapers that the “Easy Man is coming to town.” Frankly, no one understood then, but eagerly awaited this mystery man who quickly endeared himself to the community. At the outset, Chris understood that being a leader in the business community paralleled his obligation for service in the Laurel community – often with the simplest acts of kindness. For example, it was not uncommon to see Chris throwing tennis balls to kids as he drove through town. In fact, the back seat of his car was filled with old tennis balls. He would say, “When I grew up, we always wanted a ball to play baseball with.” Chris was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, serving as a lector among many other roles. He was an avid golfer, so much so that he told his son, “After I’m gone, I want my ashes scattered in the #9 sand trap at Laurel Country Club.” Chris was a voracious reader and enjoyed being a volunteer reader at nursing homes. On occasion, he invited residents to his home, offering libations of tea, coffee, or an afternoon toddy to accompany the stories. Chris also could tell a story – whether it be long-winded with a moral point or short with a joke or closing zinger. He peppered his stories with favorite colloquialisms: “That ain’t a lotta sugar for a dime”; “He’s looking at me with a 100-foot stare in a 10-foot room”; and “Harvard can’t teach one common sense.” Chris loved dearly and will be sorely missed by his many friends that span several generations. He will long be remembered for his quick, ironic wit, his good-natured teasing of those closest to him, and his flair for drama when telling his latest story. His “larger than life” personality matched perfectly the breadth of his kind heart. The family extends their deepest appreciation, love, and thanks to Sanderson Farms (Joe and Kathy Sanderson) who transported Chris for treatment to and from Laurel to New York City for treatment for over 10 years. Chris often said, “Joe saved my life and let me see my grandkids longer.” The family also wishes to thank the following doctors for their outstanding care: Dr. Derrick Burgess, Dr. Kim Dobbs, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, Dr. Mark Horne, Dr. Nikhil Mukhi, Dr. Graham Rogers of Laurel; Dr. Susan Slovin, Dr. Patrick Boland, Dr. R. Michael Tuttle of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; and Dr. Todd Sitzman of Hattiesburg for their outstanding care, counsel and guidance. A funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 16, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Laurel. A celebration of Chris’ life will follow at the Posey home, 1216 North Sixth Avenue, in Laurel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, or to a charity of your choice. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapelaurel.com.

Christopher Van (Chris) Posey

December 30, 1943 - November 12, 2018