James Vernon Huckabee

James Vernon Huckabee was born on August 15, 1932, in Bethel Springs, TN, to the late Lucious MacDonald and Cordie Priscilla (Campbell) Huckabee. He departed this life on January 3, 2025, at Magnolia Hospital in Corinth, MS, with his loving wife Dot and his family by his side.

 Vernon was united in marriage to Dorthena (Dot) Mae Brown on November 17, 1953. Together they built a loving family and shared countless memories over their 71 years together.

 Vernon served. He served his country, served his church, served his community, and served his family. As a young man, Vernon joined the United States Navy where he honorably served for four years throughout the Pacific. After returning from the service, he worked at Brown Shoe Company for 31 years. He then spent 8 years running the Stantonville Amoco Station where he enjoyed fostering a sense a community by providing part time entertainment and full-time conversation. Vernon then went to work with his son-in-law at Elam Trucking Company for the next 29 years where he was affectionately known as Mr. Vernon, Poppie, and Chief.

 He was a faithful member of Union Grove Methodist Church where he taught adult Sunday School for many years. His church, his faith, and his family were of the greatest importance in his life.

 There were many things Vernon loved and enjoyed throughout his life. He loved music, particularly bluegrass and classic country, and he enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. He was also an avid reader and had a true love for learning but could be found watching Westerns almost nightly. He was also a long-time member of the Masons. Vernon was raised as Master Mason on July 24, 1965. He was Master of the Selmer Masonic Lodge in 1973 and was a 60-year member of Lodge #338 at the time of his death.

 Vernon leaves behind his beloved wife Dot, and his two devoted daughters Deborah Elam (Danny) and Kathy Kerr (Larry-deceased); his three grandchildren, April Elam-Dierks (David), Clay Love, and Karla Cromwell (Chris); and his five great-grandchildren Tucker Matthews, Cecelia Maxey, Hallie-Kate Dierks, Elam Dierks, and Jacob Cromwell. He was preceded in death by his five brothers Odis, Gordon, J.D., Mack, and Gale, and two sisters Lodell Robinson and Maxine Brown. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

 James Vernon Huckabee will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.