Joe K. McPhail

He was born to the late J.D. and Bonnie Grace McPhail, April 8, 1924, in Carthage, Mississippi. He married Jean Arthur in 1946, and they lived together in Natchez and Jackson.

Joe worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps in Corvalis, Oregon in 1941 and 1942. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II from 1943 until 1946.

A born salesman, Joe owned McPhail Oldsmobile – GMC in Natchez, Mississippi until he sold the business in 1969. He continued buying and selling until the last few years of his life.

Joe always had a wonderful way with people, a great sense of humor, a practical joker and a natural born optimist. He helped many who had fallen on hard times during his life. The joy of his life was spending time with family – his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren – and reaching out to those who needed a hand. He was a member of the Optimist Club and the Civitan Club and was a pro at convincing you to take some fruitcakes during the holiday season.

Joe was an active member and deacon of Salem Primitive Baptist Church in Natchez and Jackson Primitive Baptist Church after moving here.

Joe is survived by his wife Jean; daughters Twana Crenshaw (Edwin) of Tupelo, MS and Terri Todd of Hotchkiss, Colorado; four grandchildren – Corinne McNamara (Reeve), Bryan Todd, Barrot Lambdin (Heena) and Yancey Todd; his brother John A. McPhail; two great grandchildren (and two on the way); and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Ridgeland at 12:00pm with a Service following at 1:00pm. Burial will be at Lakewood South on Thursday at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice Ministries, 450 Town Center Blvd, Ridgeland, MS 39157 or the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St., Suite 200 Wellesley Hills, Mass 02481 (781-237-3800) http://curealz.org/.