In Loving Memory...

Herbert Loyd Owens         06/10/2011

KB9ZKY Herbert Loyd Owens Herbert Loyd Owens age 82, husband of Lois “Bo” Owens, died Friday in Lexington. Herbert had been a farmer and truck driver for 40 years in Lynn Indiana where he is a Lifetime member and Ham Radio operator, his callsign was KB9ZKY. He was a daily member of the Mississippi Magnolia Net and was well loved by all there. He was also a member of the Lynn Church of the Nazarene and was a member of the Maple Grove Baptist Church since moving back to Berea. Herbert is survived by his wife Lois “Bo” Byrd Owens of Berea, his children: Wayne (Sue) Owens, Ronnie (Connie) Owens, Dianne (The late Carl) Sears, Jerry (Debbie) Owens, Teresa Allen, Keith (Bridget) Owens, and Sam (Kathy) Owens. Herbert is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. Herbert was preceded in death by his parents James and Tishie Saylor Owens, his brothers and sisters: Powell, James, Columbus, Woodrow, Buford, Albert, Daisy, Janet, Elizabeth, and Dealie, and his grandson Jeff Owens.

Glenn Ryan 12/14/2010	KD4UVD    Glenn Ryan - Age 73 - of Albertville, passed away on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at Marshall Medical Center North. Glenn Ryan was born in the State of Alabama, August 26, 1937; the son of Robert Regan and Tessie Narrel Ryan.    Glenn is survived by his wife, Delilah Ryan, of Albertville; 2 Sons: Steven Lee Ryan of Guntersville and Terry Keith Ryan and his wife, Anita, of Albertville; 3 Daughters: Yvonne Healey and her husband, Kevin, of Madison, Kimberly Eason and her husband, Tad, of Goodwater, and Kayra Harris and her husband, Lee, of Guntersville; 1 Brother-in-Law, Charles Caraway, of Covington, Louisiana; 14 Grandchildren; and 2 Great-Granchildren and 1 on-the-way. Glenn was preceded in death by 3 Sisters: Helen Atchley, Irene Eckert, and Mildred Caraway; and 1 Brother, Horace Ryan. Glenn was a regular check in on the Mississippi Magnolia net and he will be greatly missed by all here at the net.
To the right is a letter from the family of Glenn Ryan.	Dear WA6DOG and all the guys at the Miss/Mag Net. Our family would like to thank you for the beautiful arrangement of flowers you sent. But most of all we would like to thank you for being his friend. He looked forward to the net each and every morning and if I was the cause of him missing it, I heard about it the rest of the day. Even after he got sick he made it a point for me to wake him up and help him to the radio. You are all a great bunch of guys, but then Glenn always picked special people for his friends. I will still listen each morning and being Gods will, maybe one day I can thank you all in person.    Our Love and Thanks, the Ryan Family    P.S. Kim also thanks you all for your prayers during her illness. She is remission now.
Joe Lovett          11/20/2010	WD5O Joe was Tuesday net controller here at the Mississippi Magnolia Net for years. He was a good friend and gentleman. Joe was born on May 05, 1950 to John and Helen (Spencer) Lovett in Lambert, MS. Mr. Lovett was a 1968 graduate of Canton High School and had graduated from North West Mississippi Community College with an AS in Business. He also attended Delta State University. Mr. Lovett was a licensed barber and was the current manager of AutoTron. He was a former insurance auditor and had owned his own car hauling business "Big Daddy Truckin' " for over 20 years. He was a US Air force Veteran having served his country for 4 years and had obtained the rank of Sergeant. Joe was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School and helped with the youth. He was a former deacon at Morrison Chapel Baptist Church. Some of Joe's hobbies included bowling and ham radio operating. His family says he was a loving devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather.

William H. Williford, Jr.       10/23/07	K5JY  On October 23, 2007, in the early hours before dawn, our friend Hamp, K5JY, answered God's call and checked into that Net on high, where there's no parting or sad goodbyes. Many of us never met him; yet we knew him, and all of us loved him. There is a hurt in our hearts that only time and the grace of God can heal. Because of this man, I am a ham operator and a proud member of the Mississippi Magnolia Net. I shall never forget him. We were his extended family and he cared about us deeply. He knew our names, our callsigns, and took great interest in our lives. Often he'd ask about our children and grandchildren, then he'd tell us about Jonas and Julian, his grandsons. How he loved them! These boys were blessed to have him for a grandfather. He didn't have great wealth or fame, but what's all that if you don't have a name? He had a good name. He was a humble man, respectful, and pleasant to talk with. He made everyone feel welcome and at home on 3878. Someone has said, "He was the real deal." With kindness and often a reminder of how life was back when; he'd lift us above our troubles. He never complained about how bad he felt; he'd take the high road and say, "Well, I'm still on the right side of the grass." His voice is silent; no longer we'll hear him say, "This is K5JY, the name is Hamp, located in Memphis, Tennessee. Welcome to the Mississippi Magnolia Net, a place for old friends and new friends to meet."   Hamp, He miss you. 73.
John G. Bynum, Jr.         04/03/08	W8ML JOHN G. BYNUM, JR., 86, of New Carlisle, Ohio passed away Thursday April 3, 2008. He was born November 18, 1921 in Rienzi, Mississippi the son of the late John, Sr. & Lizzie (Reynolds) Bynum. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII & Korean Conflict. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, New Carlisle and he enjoyed beginning each day with Mississippi side band of fellow Mississippi ham radio operators. He retired from General Motors. He was a member of the Tin Can Sailors, Inc., Dayton Amateur Radio Assoc., ARRL, Ohio Amateur Radio Emergency Service, American Red Cross Volunteer, Life member of the NRA, New Carlisle Sportsman Club, Hirams Hams, Over the Hill Gang, Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, OES, Life member Grand Council Royal & Select Masons of Ohio, New Carlisle Lodge 100 and proud licensed CCW. He is survived by his wife, Nadine (Eubanks); his daughter, Barbie & Byron Troutman of Riverside, Ohio; grandchildren, Andy Yates, Ryan (Jennifer) Yates and Marlene Hess; two great grandchildren, Megan & Connor Yates; step children, Ralph Wade of Cedarville, Randy Wade of Springfield, Lori Wade of New Carlisle, Regina (Rich) Zelner of Londonville, NY; step grandchildren, Robert, Jonathan, Amanda, Stephanie Wade and Mary Beth; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy (Jenkins); a brother, Jimmy; two sisters, Imogene & Mary Floreed. We will greatly miss our good friend John Bynum W8ML on the Mississippi Magnolia Net. He served as Net Control for many years and made the net a friendly place for Hams to meet. He was a great American and gave so much to his family, country, church, Masonic family, and to Amateur Radio. We will always remember him. -- Lamar, KD5HLB A memorial contribution has been sent to: Shriners Hospital For Children Galveston 815 Market Street
John Johnson "JJ"        07/18/08	KC8UQE Our Tribute to John E. "JJ" Johnson, KC8UQE 1931 - 2008      The Lord has called our dear friend, John E. "JJ" Johnson, to his Heavenly home. I'm not sure who it was that started calling him "JJ" but we all picked up on it, and he didn't mind in the least. We all have special memories of him that will last for many years to come. Usually, JJ was the first to sign on the pre-net at about 4:00 AM. He'd say good morning to each of us by name and call sign, and got it right every time.    He was kind and considerate to everyone. On rare occasions an ill-mannered radio operator would come in and gruff out a few bitter words, but JJ would graciously say, "Well, let me drink my coffee, thanks for the call, have a nice day, KC8UQE, listening." He was always a gentleman. He and Nip, Hamp (before he passed on), Sam, Richard, Gary, Oops and several more early risers kept us all laughing with their tall tales and Southern humor. Yes, Southern humor! Even though JJ lived in Decatur, Michigan, he was still an Alabama country boy, and never forgot his upbringing.    It was never just, "Good morning, JJ," but, "Good morning JJ and Miss Toby." Toby was the love of his life and he was so blessed to have her as his wife. He would say to the group, "Fellows, Toby just brought me my breakfast, I'll be back, KC8UQE." When he returned and sometime before we'd let him go, we'd ask him what he was having for breakfast. He'd tell us toast, bacon and eggs and then chuckle a bit when Sam said he was having a Buddy Bar.    JJ had a big station! But what made it big was not an amplifier (even though we jokingly accused him of having one hid in the attic); it was not his ICOM 756 PRO and wire antenna cut for 3878 kHz; it was his character and upright conduct, for which he will receive a great reward in Heaven. He's there now with Hamp K5JY and John W8ML, and so many others who have gone that way before him. What a time they must be having! There's no QRM up there, and no quarmers are allowed to enter. All is well.    I cannot improve on what Nip W4NIP has already said concerning JJ, "I think about the many, many, great conversations that all of us would have in the early mornings, that would start the day out in such a nice fashion. We will never forget the pleasures that all of us experienced with JJ; waking each other up while drinking our first cup of coffee. It's as if we were all related, closer than just radio friends. Something we shall cherish forever."    We love you JJ, and miss you so much.    73,
Ron Sanders "T-Ron" 02/22/09	WA4QHU    FEE FEE...THATS WHAT HE CALLED ME AND ALTHOUGH I NEVER MET HIM IN PERSON I FEEL LIKE I HAVE KNOWN HIM ALL MY LIFE...GOD TOOK T-RON (MO-RON) AS TERRY WD4OUM HIS BEST FRIEND WOULD HAVE US CALL HIM FEBURARY 22 , 2009 AND WE ALL KNOW HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE IN THE LAP OF THE LORD... T-RON WE MISS YOU AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AS YOU WERE  "A FRIEND " TO ALL OF US...NEVER A BAD WORD SPOKEN FROM THIS UPBEAT TENNESSIAN AS HE WAS A GRAND GUY WITH A PERSONALITY THAT NEVER GREW OLD...GOD BLESS YOU T-RON AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY FROM ALL OF US ON THE MISSISSIPPI MAGNOLIA NET. ...WA8DOG     "FEE FEE "
Sterling Richard           03/08/09	KD5FDA    Sterling will be remembered by the magnolia bunch and many other amateur radio nets. He had a love for the hobby and made friends with everyone he talked to on the radio. He would sign on in the mornings with a few words of Cajun french. By his call sign suffix "FDA" he became known as that old "Federal Drug Agent." It was in jest of course, but he got a kick out of it. We will miss him dearly.
Gene Buechner         05/29/09	KG4NBL    Gene was a good friend to everyone on 3878. Being a truck driver he traveled all over the nation but was faithful to check into the net via mobile almost every morning. He helped many of the net participants work all 50 states, and Canada. Gene, you will be greatly missed!
David Jones 06/13/09	N5UFG
Gary Bonner 08/10/09	AF4PY
Travis Casanova 09/26/09	W5GED
James Young	N5MOI
Jackie Garnett    10/04/09	D4GKR George Walter "Jackie" Garnett, 65, a resident of Prattville, AL, died unexpectedly at home on Sunday, October 4, 2009. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., from Deatsville Baptist Church with Pastor James Bozeman officiating. Burial will follow in Deatsville Holiness Church Cemetery, with Prattville Memorial Chapel directing. Mr. Garnett was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. He honorably served his country as a veteran of the United States Army. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Gene Garnett. He is survived by three sons, Walt Garnett, III, Joey Garnett, David Garnett; two grandchildren, Carleigh Gene Garnett and Hayden Michael Garnett; three sisters, June Garnett, Barbara Meharg, and Gayle Garnett; special friend, Ellie Cook; and several extended family members. The family will receive friends at Prattville Memorial Chapel on Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. To express an online condolence, please visit www.prattvillememorial.com A moment of silence was observed during the net this morning (October 6) in memory of our good friend Jackie Garnett. Our heart-felt sympathy is extended to his family. He will be greatly missed by everyone on the Mississippi Magnolia Net. Our prayers are with the Garnett family. A memorial in Jackie's honor will be forthcoming.
Joy Fern Lancaster     07/02/2010	KT5RVR Born, Joy Fern Smith, November 24, 1945, in St. Joseph Infirmary, Houston Texas. At a young age Joy took her step-fathers’ last name of Lentz. She succumbed to her illness after a lengthy battle with complications from cancer on July 2, 2010. Joy attended Elementary, Junior and Senior High School in Houston, Texas. She graduated in 1964 from Jesse H. Jones High School where she was a member of the Commodores Drill Team. She then attended college at Alvin Junior College, Sam Houston (University) State Teachers College and the University of Houston. She received an Associates Degree from Alvin Junior College. In 1987 she went to work for The Methodist Hospital for which she worked until December 31, 2009 which she left due to her illness. In 1990 she married Charles L. Lancaster. September 22, 2010 would have been their twentieth (20th) wedding anniversary. In 1992 they moved to Katy, Texas. It was at their home in Katy that Joy went to be with the Lord.  Joy was very active in her community as a Girl and Boy Scout leader.  Joy continued to be active until her death. For over ten (10) years she was a member and volunteer of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She was a member of the Rodeo Express Team 10 and the Gatekeeper Committees. She was a member of the International BBQ Cookers Association and a Certified Head Judge. Joy was Chief Cook of the Boots & Buns BBQ Cooking Team and Co-Chief Cook with her husband of the 3F’s BBQ Cooking Team (Former Fireman and Friends). She was an accomplished cook and won many prizes for her Ribs and Desserts. Bread Pudding was her specialty which won several competitions. She was an active member of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the Katy Amateur Radio Society (KARS) HAM radio club. She held a FCC General Class Amateur Radio License (KT5RVR). She served as a volunteer member of the Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital and Cristus St. Catherine’s Hospital Amateur Radio Response Teams. Joy was preceded in death by her father Melvin Smith and Step-father Edwin Lentz. She is survived by her husband Charles Lancaster of Katy, Texas; two children, Amy D. Kingston (Husband Jason) of Mesquite, Texas; TSgt. David O. Moore (Wife Susan), USAF Wichita, Kansas; Four grand children Fiona & Molly Kingston and Sidney & Noah Moore; mother Gerald (Jerry) Lentz of La Grange, Texas; brothers Stanley O. Smith of Granbury, Texas and Lamar Lentz of Round Top, Texas. DONATIONS: Instead of flowers the family is requesting a donation to the JOY LANCASTER MEMORIAL FUND. The funds will be shared with the Round Top Festival Institute and the Memorial Hermann Hospital Foundation/Memorial Herman Katy Hospital for projects in her name. Make checks payable to: Festival Institute c/o  Joy Lancaster Memorial Fund P.O. Box 89, Round Top, Texas 78954
Lester "Les" Grant     12/19/2002	WJ5L WJ5L Lester Grant 12/19/2002 Santa's Lane, perhaps one of Vicksburg's most festive holiday sites, was dark Christmas Eve after one of its creators died at a Jackson hospital the night before after an industrial accident.    Lester Grant, who had retired from Falco Lime, was nonetheless at the company's Vicksburg harbor site on Monday working part time. As a jammed chain holding a barge was freed, it struck Grant in the head, Warren County Coroner John Thomason said. Grant was pronounced dead at University Medical Center 10 hours after the 9:30 a.m. accident. He was 68.    "From all indications, it was unavoidable," Thomason said, noting an autopsy was planned for this evening at Mississippi Mortuary Services in Pearl. Officials at Falco Lime could not be reached.    Grant, who had retired 11 months ago as plant manager, was supervising a group of workers at the 1543 Haining Road facility. Thomason said they were trying to free a barge that was bound by a length of chain and that the chain recoiled when it was cut free. Grant was taken first to River Region Medical Center and then flown to UMC. Santa's Lane is the name given to the drive that Grant and his wife, Jackie M. Grant, created in their driveway and on an adjacent piece of property on Freetown Road. I annually for 17 years. Santa's Lane has been a holiday attraction that drew \ hundreds of carloads of visitors to see the careful arrangements of cartoon and other characters, carefully cut from plywood, painted and arranged into, lighted scenes. In this year's story about Santa's Lane, Grant pointed out that some characters would be missing. He and his wife insisted on perfection, and those that had become weathered or faded, he said, would be kept out of the display until they could be restored.    Not just at Christmas, but year-around, Grant was a "great neighbor," said attorney and former District 5 Supervisor Petesy Smith. "I've known him for 38 years, and he's simply the best kind of caring friend a person could have," she said. He was also an active licensed amateur radio operator and owned and maintained one of several amateur radio repeaters in the Vicksburg area.    Grant was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence H. and Lula M. Grant, and two brothers, Lawrence Grant Jr. and Ervin Grant.    In addition to his wife, Grant is survived by two daughters, Terri Ulmer of Vicksburg and Kim Matthews of New York City; two grandchildren, Ian and Andrew Ulmer, both of Vicksburg; five brothers, James, Clarence and Jerry Grant, all of Rolling Fork, Charles Grant of Vicksburg and Joe Grant of Kilmichael; and a sister, Lenora Burnette Irvington, Ala. According to Joe Warshawsky (KA5NXV) Les was one of his first contacts on the MMN which was on 12/30/1990. Two of his contacts that day were  William H. (Hamp) Willford Jr.(K5JY) and Chuck Sudduth Sr.(W5VMC). Hamp became net controller after Les became a silent key.