Willie Hope ‘Billy’ McEwen

Willie Hope “Billy” McEwen, 67, of McComb, died Oct. 6, 2007, atSouthwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb.

Visitation is Monday, Oct. 8, at Jones Family Funeral Servicesin McComb from 5 until 8 p.m. and on Tuesday from noon untilservice time at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Charles Brister officiating.Burial will be in McEwen Cemetery.

He was born Jan. 12, 1940, in Pike County to A. McEwen andBertha Chance McEwen.

He was a member of Felder’s United Methodist Church and wasretired from Illinois Central Gulf Railroad with 30 years ofservice as an engineer. He was the railroad president’s choice ofengineers when it came to a special event. He was chosen toengineer a train for President Bill Clinton. He loved bluegrassmusic and loved to travel the country to play. From Kentucky toBranson to Nashville to New Orleans, he was known for his bluegrassmusic. He was a talented musician and first learned to play thedobro. Later he learned to play the fiddle, mandolin, steel guitarand bass. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and wasalways there for their ballgames and other events. He was a friendto everyone and was always willing to help those in need. He wasgenuine and a real gentleman who will be missed by all who knewhim.

He is survived by a special friend and companion, Marilyn MorganWelch, of McComb; a daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Joey Moak,of McComb; a sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Gerald Uzzell,of Goldsboro, N.C.; three grandchildren, Brittney Moak Myers andhusband Travis, of Smithdale, and Dustin Moak and Donnie Petrus,both of McComb; three nephews, Larry Hill and wife Denise, ofNashville, N.C., Randy Hill and wife Mary Ann, of Graniteville,S.C., and Curtis Hill and fiancee Maxine Spiers, of McComb; hisgreat-nephew, Cpl. Jay Hill, USMC, of Cherry Point, N.C., and hisgreat-niece, Valoree Hill, of Nashville, N.C.

Pallbearers are Mark Shepherd, Larry Hill, Randy Hill, CurtisHill, Willie Lewis and Chuck Lambert. Honorary pallbearers areEverett Boyd, Glen Sterling, Bobby Bowen, Troy Williams and JesseColeman.

Allen Pierce Palmer

Allen Pierce Palmer, 79, of Smithdale, died Sunday, Oct. 7,2007, at his daughter’s residence.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 6 until 9 p.m.at Jones Family Funeral Services in McComb and continues Wednesdayfrom 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. in the Jones Chapel.Burial will be in the Johnston Chapel United Methodist ChurchCemetery in Summit. Dr. David Millican will officiate.

Mr. Palmer was born July 4, 1928, in Philadelphia, to CarltonPalmer and Althea Landrum Palmer.

He was a retired farmer and a longtime employee of MadisonCounty where he was a truck driver and equipment operator.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; onesister; a son, Ronnie Palmer and a daughter, Ruby Steed.

He is survived by his wife Evelyn Roberts Palmer, of Summit; hissons Gene Palmer, of Kentucky, and Larry Palmer, of Jackson; hisdaughters, Ann Tipton, of Summit, and Marie McCormick, ofSmithdale; and his stepdaughter, Patsy Brown and husband Gene, ofSummit. He is also survived by many grandchildren,great-grandchildren, and countless family members.