Eddie Howard “Bo” Gifford cut a wide path of love, laughter, a strong work ethic, and a devotion to God and family that will be a great part of his legacy throughout the years. Bo struggled with leukemia for about one year before he crossed over on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at the University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham. He was 62 years old. Born in Booneville on July 4, 1961 to the late Marjorie Harris Armstrong, he attended elementary school there before the family moved to Saltillo where he graduated from Saltillo High School in 1979. He was known for his athletic abilities in football, baseball and summer league softball, which he continued to be involved with for many years. Never afraid of work and extremely crafty with his hands, Bo totally immersed himself his whole life as a master woodworker especially making Oak furniture. He particularly took pride in restoring cabinetry in older homes and building from scratch cabinets for new homes. It was said by Bo that he could “put windshield wipers on a goat’s tail” and make it work beautifully. He also loved the outdoors, fishing and working in his yard. Bo spent 25 years working for the Tennessee Valley Regional Housing Authority. He then spent the remainder of his working years at Central Woodwork in Corinth, WalMart Distribution Center/Fed Ex Freight with his last work as a Supervisor for Cooper Tire and Rubber Company in Tupelo. Bo loved people, was a practical jokester, was always the life of the party. Bo married Janet Price “Jan” Gifford on May 5, 2015 in Key West, Florida. They had made their home the last few years in the Palestine Community northeast of Nettleton where they attended Palestine Baptist Church. Bo was baptized there in March, 2024. He loved music of all genres but especially enjoyed Blue Grass.
A celebration of Bo’s life will be held at 12 PM Noon Saturday, May 25, 2025 in the Sadie M. Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Bro. Jaron Andrews officiating assisted by Bro. Scott Cockrell. Private family interment will follow in Palestine Cemetery near Nettleton. Visitation will be from 10 AM-service time on Sat. only at Holland-Tupelo Chapel, which is honored to be serving their friends. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/live-streaming at 12 PM Saturday and will be archived thereafter.
Bo is survived by his wife, Jan Price Gifford of Nettleton; his children, Taryn Thomas (Steven) of Tupelo, Tory Gifford (Anna) of Counce, TN, and Darin Price (Teri) of Columbus, MS; 5 grandchildren whom PaPaw simply adored, Braxton, Grayson, Ella Grace, Baker, and Biggs; his brother, Stanley Mitchell (Pat) of Mantachie, and sisters, Brenda Austin of Thrasher, and Debbie Clark (Ronnie) of Guntown; several nieces, nephews and cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by his mom, Marjorie Armstrong; his mother-in-law, Bobbie Price; and a brother, Donnie Moore.
Pallbearers will be Bud Coker, Luke Langston, Tomas Vasquez, Chris Malone, Matt Wheeler, and Sammy Richardson. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark, Mitch and Mike Price, associates from Cooper/Goodyear, former employees of Walmart Distribution Center and Fed Ex Freight.
The family expresses appreciation to the staff at UAB Medical Center in Birmingham and NMMC-Tupelo esp. Dr. Kahn and Dr. Kanabar and Hillary Earnest who were excellent, compassionate medical caregivers. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Miss. Chapter, P. O. Box 4449, Brandon, MS 39047.
