James Earl Kellum, 81, departed this life for his eternal reward from his residence west of Shannon on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 after apparently suffering a fatal heart attack. He was 81 year old. The lifelong Lee Countian was born in the Brewer Community on Sept. 3, l941 to pioneer families, Ruble and Opal Chaney Kellum. He grew up in Brewer, graduated from Shannon High School in l959 and married his sweetheart, Betty Ann Towery on April 20, 1962 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Baldwyn. His first job was fingerprinting for the FBI in Washington until he got home sick and returned to Lee County after a year. Earl was employed for 45 years as a salesman in the automobile parts industry. His career included employment with Tupelo Products, C and G and Union Auto Parts Store. Earl was a simple, quiet but strong man who loved the outdoors, coon hunting, fishing, working in his yard and gardening. He loved his pets over the years and especially enjoyed his grand dog, Boo bear. Earl loved visiting with friends and family in person or on the phone. He was a longtime member of Palmetto Baptist Church and a deacon but most recently attended Pontocola Baptist Church. He was an active member and officer of the Palmetto Masonic Lodge #153 in Shannon. Earl always referred to his family as “his girls” referring to his wife, only daughter, only granddaughter and the only two great granddaughters in the world.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Bro. Bobby Holland, Bro Sammie Hardin and Bro. James Marks speaking. Private burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be from Noon-service time Wednesday only at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Livestreaming at 2 PM Wed.
Earl is survived by his wife, Betty Ann Kellum of Shannon; his daughter, Lisa Kellum Sherrill (Stan) of Enterprise, Ala, his granddaughter, Reagan Elizabeth Sawyer (Zane) of Tupelo; two great granddaughters, Finley Rose and Emerson Ann Sawyer; his brother and sister in law, James Marks and Betty Jean Kellum; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and their families. The last of the original Kellum’s, Earl was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Judy Kellum Marks, Joe Kellum and Barbara Jean Bryan.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Way, Memphis, Tn. 38105.
