Russell Jewell (RJ) Waldrop, age 86, passed into Glory on Friday, February 14, 2025 at NMMC Hospice unit in Tupelo, with his daughter at his side. He was born March 16, 1938 to Dalton and Ruth Peavy Waldrop. Russell married Bonnie Inmon on April 2, 1960 and two children was born to this union, Russell Mark Waldrop and Melanie Waldrop Henderson. He was a builder by trade and built many beautiful homes in the area. Russell loved to work and had an inventive mind, he built a B29 model airplane with a 48 inch wing span from materials that he had on hand in his shop, to honor his two brothers that served in the Air Force on a B29 plane. Russell loved nature and being outdoors and enjoyed keeping his property nice and neat, he also was very fond of antique cars, antique radios, tractors and airplanes. He loved his family dearly and left quite a legacy for them to follow.
Services will be at 2:00 P.M., Monday, February 17, 2025 at Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc, with Rev. Tommy Inmon and Rev. Ronnie Hatfield officiating, burial will follow in Pontotoc Memorial Gardens. Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc is honored to assist the Waldrop family with the arrangements.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Inmon Waldrop; a daughter, Melanie Waldrop Henderson (Richard); a granddaughter, Amber Henderson Jamison (Brandon); three great-grandchildren, Avery Claire Jamison, William Jamison and Bonnie Kate Jamison; two sisters, Virginia Stephens and Jean Hopson; his brothers and sisters in law, Tommy Inmon (Joan), Sandra Lowrey (Bo) and Butch Inmon (Laura); and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Russell Mark Waldrop; a sister, Rudell Graham; and two brothers, Hugh Waldrop and Mac Waldrop.
Pallbearers will be Richard Henderson, Brandon Jamison, Butch Inmon, Jamey Inmon, Roger Graham and David Waldrop. Honorary Pallbearers will be Michael Waldrop, Ronald Jones and George Fesmire.
Visitation will be Monday from 12 to 2 P.M. at Browning Funeral Home.
The family request no flowers or gifts and memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Thaxton Baptist Church, C/O Building Fund, P.O. Box 38, Thaxton, MS 38871.
Condolences may be offered at www.browningpontotoc.com.
