Mr. Elbert "Pud" McNeece

Visitation..............6-8 PM Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at John E. Stephens Chapel Funeral Services; Funeral..................10 AM Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at John E. Stephens Chapel; Interment...............Bethsaida Cemetery; Officiating..............Rev. Bill Webb, Rev. Kermit Sharp and officiating graveside will be Rev. George Smith; Funeral services for Mr. Elbert Ferrion "Pud" McNeece will be held at 10 AM Wed., July 24, 2013 at John E. Stephens Chapel in Philadelphia, MS. The service will be officiated by Rev. Bill Webb, assisted by Rev. Kermit Sharp and Rev. George Smith. Burial will be at Bethsaida Baptist Church Cemetery in Philadelphia. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Tues., July 23, 2013 at John E. Stephens Chapel Funeral Services. Mr. McNeece, 88, of Meridian died Saturday at his residence. He was born in Madden, MS but spent most of his life in Meridian. He was married to his loving wife, Madie McNeece, for 47 years. She preceded him in death in 1990. He was a member of Midway Baptist Church. At the age of 17 "Pud" joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CC Camp) for a year. He was proud to have served his country during World War II aboard the USS Lyman (DE302) and enjoyed reunions with his fellow shipmates. He retired from Air Comfort Engineering Company in 1987 after 40 years. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, attending Enterprise High School softball games and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. He loved bluegrass music and attended many festivals throughout the South. Mr. McNeece was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton Eugene McNeece & Myrtle Chamblee McNeece Clark; wife, Madie Hardy McNeece (1990); sister, Cordi Smith; brothers, Chester McNeece, Bill McNeece, Chris McNeece & Bob McNeece; half-brothers, Otis Porter, Lavelle Porter & Lavon Porter. Survivors include three daughters, Joyce Chisolm (Ed) of Cashiers, NC, Judi Nutt (Tommy) of Collinsville and Bettye Perkins of Meridian. Six grandchildren, Jana Gritzmacher and Joely McWhorter (Carey) of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; Chris Nutt (Christy) of Hickory; Nikki Miles (Scott) of Martin; Hank Perkins (Deana) of Collinsville; Josh Perkins (Christy) of Enterprise. Twelve great-grandchildren, Jake and Ella Gritzmacher; Lily, Kate and Sarah McWhorter; Dilan, Justin and Landon Miles; Lillian Nutt; Rhaley, McKenlee and Hays Perkins. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends, along with one special friend, Martha McCool. Pallbearers are Chris Nutt, Scott Miles, Dilan Miles, Jake Gritzmacher, Hank Perkins & Josh Perkins.

Mr. Elbert "Pud" McNeece

July 20, 2013