Robert Edward Box

Robert Edward Box died Saturday, December 27, 2014. He was 87. Visitation will be held Monday, December 29 at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, MS from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 30 at Flora United Methodist Church at 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00 am.Robert was born on April 21, 1927 to the late Claude and Emma Box and grew up in Choctaw County, MS. After serving in the U.S. Army, he graduated from Eupora High School and attended Wood Junior College. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Delta State Teachers College in 1950. He earned his Masters Degree in Education Administration from Mississippi State University. He was a teacher and coach at Flora High School for several years and served as Principal from 1964 to 1971. He served as Assistant Superintendent of Madison County Schools for 20 years retiring in 1989.Robert was a skilled woodworker and enjoyed creating inlaid bowls, furniture and dulcimers. He and his late wife, Ralphine, founded the Central MS Dulcimer Association and were accomplished dulcimer musicians. Robert also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf.An active member of Flora United Methodist Church for 60 years, he was also a member of the Flora Lions Club and many other community organizations.He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Ralphine Thompson Box. He is survived by his son, Robert E. Box, Jr. (Cathy) of Madison, MS and his daughters, Beverly Papizan (Bruce) of Madison, MS, Carolyn Martin (Deede) of Flora, MS, and Tracy Chippendale (Blaine) of Trophy Club, TX; his brother, William Box of Clinton, MS; and sisters, Vonnie Lou Box and Frankie Box of Memphis, TN and Imozelle Howell of Statesville, NC; 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Flora United Methodist Church.