David Larry Carnathan “Chiliman”, 75, was welcomed into his heavenly home March 3, 2024. He was born to Paul Grady Carnathan and Martha Felkins Carnathan on October 22, 1948, in Beaverton, AL. The third born of five boys, he and his brothers grew up in southern Lee County. He graduated from Shannon High School in 1969, where he excelled in football, winning the MVP award his senior year. David married his sweetheart, Tensie Carson, on December 21, 1970. They welcomed two children into their home, Dave and Layne, and he worked hard providing for his family. He was a master welder beginning his career at Jesco and culminating in the ownership of his own business which he operated for over 20 years. He retired from Lee County 5th District in August of 2021, after numerous years of service as a full-time and part-time employee.
Chiliman was a true sportsman and outdoor enthusiast. In his younger years, he enjoyed horseback riding and training hunting dogs, his favorite being Sandy. He loved deer and rabbit hunting, and fishing in the surrounding lakes, ponds, and channels. He restored antique John Deere tractors and was gifted at gardening. He supplied family and friends with fresh produce each summer. With a loud, boisterous voice and his own unique twist on the English language, he was an unparalleled storyteller. He reveled in tales of hunting, fishing, and mischievous funny shenanigans. He loved being around people, laughing, and having a good time. David accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior on the 26th of July 1989, and was a member of Brewer Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Buddy Carnathan and Tim Carnathan.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Tensie Carson Carnathan; his son, Dave Carnathan (Jackie), and his daughter Layne Carnathan; granddaughter Kristen Threadgill (Chase); great-granddaughter Paisley Threadgill, all of Shannon, MS; his brothers, Ted Carnathan (Judy) of Queen City, TX, Mike Carnathan (Sheila) of Mantachie, MS; a sister-in-law, Darnell Carnathan; an uncle, Sonny Felkins (Marilyn) of Atlanta, TX; a sister-in-law, “Aunt” Doris Sue Jolly of Okolona, MS; two best buddies and great-great nephews, Harris Driskell and Carson Driskell, both of Shannon, MS; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A service honoring his life will be held at 3 PM on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Brewer Baptist Church with Bro. Steve Driskell officiating. Burial will follow in Brewer Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 PM – service time at the church. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to serve their friends.
Pallbearers are Harris Driskell, Carson Driskell, Jamey Burrow, Jon Mcfarling, Michael Clark, and Lee Kellum. Honorary Pallbearers are Gary Kelly, Donnie Homan, John Albert Leslie, Richard Stallings, and Robert Allen Godfrey.
Special Thanks to Dr. Andy Kellum, Dr. Usman Khan, Malinda Ingram, NP, NMMC I R Dept., Home Health, and Hospice.
The family request that donations in memory of David be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 St Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
