Ronnie Channell

Published 10:23 am Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Funeral services for Ronnie Channell are Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Wesson Baptist Church with burial in Strong Hope Cemetery. Stringer Funeral Home in Hazlehurst is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation was Monday, June 8, 2015, from 5 until 8 p.m. and will continue Tuesday, June 9, 2015, from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Mr. Channell, 68, died on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at Hardy Wilson Hospital in Hazlehurst.

Ronnie grew up in Jackson where he attended Provine High School.  While there, he was an outstanding athlete. He was the first person to ever receive the “All-State Award” given by the Mississippi Sportscasters Association in 1963. He also held the state record in the high hurdles for many years.  He excelled in football gaining a full scholarship to Ole Miss but transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi his sophomore year where he was a starting receiver for three years. While there he met and married his wife of 48 years (June 17), Jan Owens Channell. After graduating, he coached many years until he was unable to continue because of hip problems.

Ronnie was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with a group of friends (who he cherished) several times a week.  He also loved to hunt and fish, but he especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He attended Wesson Baptist Church where he rededicated and gave his life to Christ this past October.  He loved God and his family with his whole heart.

Ronnie also volunteered his time helping coach football at Wesson Attendance Center until he was unable to continue because of health problems.  He dearly loved the coaches he worked with and the athletes he coached. He was passionate about helping these kids excel not only in football, but also in life. He was also a member of the Copiah County School Board where he was serving his second time as president of the board.  He truly admired and loved every member of the School Board. He enjoyed working with them. He was a loving, generous, kind, honorable husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend.  He will be forever in our hearts!

He is survived by his wife, Jan Owens Channell; daughter, Ronda Channell; son, Rob Channell and wife, Mildred; grandchildren, Brian Channell and wife, Haley and Logan Channell; brother, David Channel and wife, Gloria; nephew, Austin Channell and wife, Mayda; great-niece, Alayna Channell; nephew, Clint Channell and wife, Cindy; and great-nieces, Josie Channell, Penny Channell and Louisa Channell.