Wendell B. Gavin

Wendell B. Gavin, 75, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2011. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2011, at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel with burial in Matthews Cemetery in the Matthews Community. Revs. Chris Sheppard, Gene Douglas and John Stockstill will officiate. Mr. Gavin was born in Jones County, Miss., on Nov. 9, 1935, to Clyde Gavin and Candace Moss Gavin. He attended Shady Grove School, Jones County Junior College and University of Southern Mississippi where he received both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. Mr. Gavin married Ruth Townsend on June 29, 1957. After receiving his B.S., Mr. Gavin began his teaching, coaching and administrative career where he served at Sanford, Soso, Pleasant Ridge and Northeast Jones. He then became a service agent with Farm Bureau serving the farmers of Jones County. He began serving the people of Jones County as their Circuit Clerk from 1976 to 1983 and as their Chancery Clerk from 1984 to 1991. From 1992 until his retirement he worked for the Jones County Economic Authority. He has been a member of the Laurel Kiwanis Club, Odd Fellows, USM Alumni, Jones County Soil and Water Conservation, United Way, Mason, Past President of the Jones County Baptist Brotherhood Association, Jones County Cattlemen’s Association and a co-founder of the Mississippi Gelbvieh Association. At the time of his death, Mr. Gavin was serving on the Boards of South Central Regional Medical Center, Bank of Jones County and President of the Jones County Farm Bureau Association. Mr. Gavin was a member of Highland Baptist Church where over his 45 years of membership he served as a Deacon and on numerous committees and enjoyed teaching the Senior Adult Men’s Sunday School Class. Mr. Gavin was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Julius Gavin, Dennis Gavin and Charles Gavin. Survivors include his wife, Ruth T. Gavin of Laurel; four children, Liz Barlow and husband Mike of Laurel, Angie Cooley and husband Joey of Laurel, Bart Gavin of Laurel, Christy Sheppard and husband Chris of Brookhaven; 11 grandchildren, Ashley Moore and husband Marcus, Millie Beech and husband Corey, Josh Gavin, Brett Barlow and wife Haleigh, Abbey Gavin and fiancé Josh Smith, Kate Cooley, Alex Gavin, Chip Cooley, Jess Cooley, Annie Sheppard and Maggie Sheppard; great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Adalyn Beech and Conner Moore; sisters, Lydia Matthews and Willie Clyde Moore; brothers, James Gavin, Bobby Gavin and wife Margie, Marvin Gavin and wife Elaine; and sister-in-law, Mattie Gavin. Mr. Gavin will be remembered for his sharp wit, his humor, his public service, his love for the people of Jones County, cattle raising, and his passion, other than Ruthie, was his farming and his grandchildren. Nephews Ray Myrick, Ronny Gavin, Bruce Gavin, Greg Gavin, Mark Ishee, Miles Farragut, Pat Townsend, Jim Townsend and Tim Ishee will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of the donor’s choice. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 pm Wednesday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Wendell B. Gavin

November 9, 1935 - April 19, 2011