Jon Walter Flaherty died at his home on April 2, 2024, in Pontotoc, MS. He was born July 25, 1956, to proud and loving parents, W.D. “Dee” Flaherty & Joyce Smith Flaherty. Dee & Joyce moved the family to Clarksdale when Jon was an infant and brother Mike was 2. The family welcomed Anita in 1962. The Flahertys had a strong pull to return to their roots, so Dee & Joyce built a home in 1969 and moved the family back to Pontotoc. Jon attended Randolph School which later merged with other county schools to become South Pontotoc Attendance Center. He graduated in 1974 and joined the U.S. Army immediately following graduation. He proudly served his country for 4 years, spending the bulk of his time in Europe. After returning home, Jon joined the family pulpwood business with his dad and brother. He then became a master welder, working many years at Ted Grisham’s welding shop. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, and it brought him great pleasure to share his woodworking skills with others. He bought the adjoining property to his parents and built a home where he resided until his untimely death. Jon opened his heart and his home to many strangers and those who had lost their way. He truly epitomized the verse from Hebrews 13:2; “Don’t be forgetful to host strangers, for some have entertained angels unaware.”
Jon was blessed with a family that adored him; daughter, Dixie Flaherty & her husband, Tony Rutledge of Columbus, GA; son, Loren Strange and his wife Mary of New Albany, sister Anita Flaherty Ludlow and her wife, Beth Bowers of Oxford; brother Michael Clifton Flaherty and his wife Debra of Houlka; 4 grandchildren, Jayden, Avery, Aiden & Kynnedy. He was preceded in death by his parents, W.D. “Dee” & Joyce Flaherty and grandparents Walter & Pauline Flaherty and Hugh & Callie Smith.
A private burial will be held at a later date. Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc assisted the family.
