Charles “Tom” Vuncannon

Funeral services for Charles “Tom” Vuncannon were held on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Rev. Evan Humphries and Dr. Dan Howard officiating.  Interment was in the Mississippi VA Memorial Cemetery in Newton, MS. 

Mr. Vuncannon, 85, of Philadelphia, died Sunday, March 12, 2023, at Neshoba General Hospital. 

A native of North Carolina, he lived in Long Beach, MS, for most of his life and was a resident of Neshoba County for the past 18 years.  He retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service, and retired after 12 years as a Civilian Instructor at Keesler Air Force Base.  He was a member of American Legion, VFW, Woodmen Of The World, and Crew of Gemini (Gulf Coast) where he served as king.  Mr. Vuncannon was a member of First Baptist Church in Philadelphia.

Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Madeline Vuncannon of Philadelphia; daughters, Ara Marie Loftis (John) of Houston, AL, and Ann Marie Allen (John) of Manderville, LA; sons, Jimmy Bates of Wiggins, MS, Danny Bates of Long Beach, MS, and Samy Bates of Wiggins, MS; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Lehman (Noah) of Greensboro, NC, and Nancy Presnell of Sophia, NC; numerous nieces and nephews; his dear friend Betty Hudson; and an untold number of lifelong friends.

Mr. Vuncannon was preceded in death by parents, Fred and Virginia Raie Vuncannon; son, Michael McElhenney; and sister, Cynthia Parrish.

Pallbearers were Bill Gilley, Joe Wood, Willie Jackson, Harry Bates, Ken Robey, Gary King, Max Loper and Billy Sharp.  Honorary pallbearers were Lee Smith, Neil Smith, and Scott Huber. 

Family requests donations to be made to First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, or a charity of your choice.