Harry Francis Rafferty died peacefully on December 7, 2016, in Long Beach, Mississippi at the age of 85.
Harry is survived by his wife, Johnnie Faye Rafferty, of Long Beach, MS; their children, William Edward (Ed) and his wife, Tery Rafferty, of Long Beach, MS; Frances and her husband, Mike Spruill, of Pass Christian, MS; Mary Beth and her husband, Pete Kozakiewicz, of Franklin, TN; Rebecca and her husband, Dennis Mayfield, of Long Beach, MS; and John Rafferty of Long Beach, MS; their grandchildren, Nichole, Michael Spruill and his wife Candis, Ben Spruill and his wife Stephanie, Heather Rafferty, Samantha Jarnigan and her husband Grant, Jefferey Ward, Steven and Lauren Mayfield, Derek Kozakiewicz; his great-grandchildren, Ethan, Kate, and Colton Spruill, Stone Jarnigan, Peyton Mayfield, Johnnie Blake, Ella Touchstone, and Oliver Phillips; and his sister, Margaret Gant. He is survived by just as many nieces, nephews, and a host of long-time friends.
He was preceded in death by his siblings; Lottie Jane Poley, Bill Rafferty, Joe Rafferty, Ralph Rafferty, Betty Tomlinson, Henry Rafferty and Pride Rafferty; and one grandchild, Jordan Rafferty.
Harry was born on September 28, 1931, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Dr. William and Emma Rafferty. He graduated from Iuka High School in 1950. The same year, Harry married Johnnie Faye Aldridge, his high school sweetheart, just as he said he would to his brother back in 1946. After graduation, Harry and Johnnie Faye moved to Jackson, TN, and he began working for Poley’s Automotive Electric Service as a mechanic. While in Jackson, he served as a member of the National Guard as well as a Scout Master. The couple began their lifelong membership in the Methodist Church and welcomed 4 of their 5 children into their home. Harry was skilled at many things and was a hard-working and loyal employee. He was a value to any company and that was evident in the advancement he gained and positions he held in multiple cities. This sent he and his family on a few “Uhaul adventures” between the years of 1967 and 1975. During this time, he worked as a service manager for multiple Volkswagon dealerships in Lafayette and Metairie, LA; as well as Memphis, TN, where they welcomed their youngest son. They loaded up their family one last time and moved to Long Beach, MS in 1975, after accepting a position as Service Manager for Royal Lincoln Mercury. The family continued their membership with The First United Methodist Church, where he served as a Deacon and usher.
Harry loved all sports, especially basketball, and spent many years as a referee. He was also an avid hunter and bass fisherman, and while living in Long Beach, Harry became a member of the Mississippi Bass Federation Chapter of Long Beach and was Southern Director for many years.
All of Harry’s passions had a season. Johnnie asked once, jokingly, “Well, when is MY season?” to which he replied, “Well, where do you want to go?”. Between them and their love, it was never a question of when. It was always their season, for they spent 66 blissful years together. And so, the story goes on until we see Harry, our loving Father, Husband, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather, again.
“The memory of a good person is a blessing” – Proverbs 10:7
The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS. Visitation will be from 2pm until 3 pm. The funeral will commence at 3pm. His burial will follow at Rutledge-Salem Cemetery in Iuka, MS. All are welcomed to attend and celebrate Harry Rafferty’s life. In lieu of flowers, please, tune-up your car and check the air pressure in your tires – he would have wanted that, or donate to The Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or by phone to 703-359-4440. The family would like to thank Dr. Blanks and all the staff at Dixie White House Health and Rehabilitation Center for their care. An online guestbook can be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
