Carl Gailey

Reuben Carlton Gailey was born on August 27, 1931, in Commerce, GA to Leatus T. Gailey and Nettie C. McGinnis. He passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 19, at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson at the age of 92, after a brief illness. After high school Carlton enlisted in the Air Force and served during the Korean War as a flight mechanic. After a brief stint at Lockheed Martin in Marietta, GA, he established a storied career in the poultry business that spanned nearly 50 years, retiring from Tip Top Poultry in Marietta, GA in 1996. Upon retirement he moved back to Mississippi with his wife, where they lived in Morton. Carlton was known for his work ethic and devotion to his family. He was an avid gardener and could grow anything. When he did sit still, he enjoyed watching college football or car racing and keeping up with the news. A natural problem solver, he found joy in tinkering and coming up with new ways to do things and improve processes. He could and did build anything including cars and houses. Although he never admitted it, he was an animal lover, and he owned a variety over his lifetime, from squirrels and goats to cats and dogs. His daughters were always chagrined when upon getting a new pet they took to “Daddy” and wanted little to do with them anymore. Carl was a devoted husband and father and a grandfather of 6. His wife, Janice, preceded him in death. He is survived by 2 daughters, Susan L. Payne of Madison, MS, and Laurie J. Howren of Kennesaw, GA, sons-in-law Christopher C. Payne and Christopher G. Howren, 6 grandchildren, Lauren Payne, Jacob Payne, Griffin Howren, Eli Howren, Jackson Payne, and Sam Howren, and a sister, Irene O’Kelley of Commerce, GA, and a large extended family. He will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him.  The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Gentiva Hospice Care, the nurses and hospice workers at Baptist Hospital, and his many neighbors. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Visitation will be held from 12:30pm-2:30pm Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS. A graveside service will follow at 3:00pm Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl, MS.