Thomas Franklin Cupit, “Bro. Tom”, passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at North MS Medical Center. His strong faith and his love and devotion to family, church and friends helped him through his struggles and helped him find peace.
Bro Tom was born to the late Horace and Susie Wilkerson Cupit in McCall Creek, Franklin County, MS on June 18, 1923. Growing up on the farm instilled so many of his values about hard work and, most of all, his love of a garden as many can attest that were the recipients of his fresh vegetables. He served in the Marine Corps during WWII and was stationed in the Philippines. He attended CO-LIN Community College, Hinds Community College, and the University of Southern Mississippi. A rural mail carrier for 9 years, he felt the call to become a Methodist minister. He later received his Masters of Divinity from Emory University in 1959.
His greatest achievement was marrying his sweetheart, Edna Earl Ahrend, “Ms. Edna”. They wed on May 25, 1947 in Union Church, MS. and have celebrated 71 years together. Tom and Edna are always mentioned together. They served several churches and “Ms. Edna”, for 50 years, taught school wherever they were in the Lord’s service He and Edna were active and faithful members of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Tupelo.
A Service of Death and Resurrection will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Tupelo with his pastor, Rev. Rob Gill officiating, assisted by longtime ministerial colleague, Rev. Glen Martin. His granddaughter, Neely, will deliver family reflections. Burial, with military honors, will be at Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5 PM-7PM Monday, Aug. 27, 2018 at Holland Funeral Directors, Tupelo Chapel and from 10 AM-service time on Tuesday at St. Luke UMC. Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net
Bro. Tom is survived by his wife, Edna; one son Martin Cupit;, two grandchildren, Neely Cupit-Segura (Ruben) and Ryan Cupit (Jessica) and three great grandchildren Anthony Segura, Jordan Segura and DJ Cupit. He is preceeded in death by his parents, two brothers, Horace and Calvin and one sister Dorothy Wallace.
Pallbearers will be Joe Fowler, Walter Burns, Ron Anderson, James “Booty” Sloan, Bob Daniels and Bob Lehman. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Old Geezer’s Club, all present and retired United Methodist Clergy, the Sunday night Danvers Dinner Club and the New Dimensions Sunday school class at St. Luke.
The family request that memorials be made to the St. Luke UMC Food Pantry, 1400 Clayton Drive, Tupelo, MS. 38801. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends. (662 )840 5000.
