The new year begins tomorrow, but whatever 2015 holds in store, it won’t be quite the same.
In 2014, we lost some truly memorable people — a state legislator, several communities leaders, even a “character” or two who helped make our community unique.
So on this last day of 2014, we again bid our goodbyes to these wonderful people.
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Buzzie Dorn Age 92, died Jan. 4 Army Veteran and tireless community volunteer in his adopted hometown of Columbus, particularly dedicated to causes supporting the city’s youth.
Ray “Joe Ray” Roberson Age 71, died Feb. 9 Colorful newspaper photographer noted for his enthusiasm for photography and love of all things Columbus and his ubiquitous presence wherever news was happening.
Vanessa Carter Age 52, died April 30 Lifelong Columbus advocate, businesswoman and volunteer, owner of Carters Funeral Home and heavily involved in organizing local concerts.
Henry Laws Age 81, died Feb. 25 Son of a Columbus drug store owner, studied medicine at Harvard and become one of the nation’s leading surgeons, remembered as pioneer in numerous areas of surgery.
Elizabeth Gwin Age 105, died Aug. 12 Columbus native and much-loved alumna of Mississippi University for Women; former New York City fashion model and later a trailblazing leader of Girl Scouts in her native state for more than 40 years.
Terry Brown Age 64, died Sept. 4 Irrepressible, lovable, lifelong Lowndes County resident. President Pro Tempore of state senate from 2011 until his death; spent decades representing his home county in the state Legislature.
Jack Cristil Age 88, died Sept. 7 Hall of Fame broadcaster who called more than 636 Mississippi State football games (and more than 900 MSU basketball games) in an incredible 58-year career.
Johnny Littlefield Age 61, died on Nov. 12 Amiable West Point Fire Department chief. Known for his affection for community and easy-going manner, served 38 years with the WPFD, including the last 13 as chief.
John “Slugo” McClanahan Age 74, died Jan. 5 Columbus native accomplished outdoorsman and fishing guide, whose clients included many celebrities; owner of “Buckshot,” a dog whose fame surpassed that of his owner.
Ava Moore Age 65, died Nov. 20 Starkville native and tireless community volunteer; leading advocate for city’s Unity Park project; also active in community groups.
William “Bill” Buckner Age 63, died May 23 Starkville native; former Fellowship of Christian Athletes state director; Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame member who played football at EMCC, MSU and Delta State, who later coached for 20 years.
Carole McReynolds Davis Age 72, died June 18 Starkville native and unabashed champion of all things Starkville and Mississippi State. Noted for her love of hats, her old Louisville Street home and her devotion to her husband, Frank.
Stan Hughey Age 55, died Dec. 28 Long-time girls basketball coach at Oak Hill Academy in West Point, where he won 453 games in 20 years; also coached at East Webster High School, Mathiston High School and Kirk Academy.
Gerald Berry Age 66, died Jan. 1 Beloved character in Starkville and Mississippi State, remembered as a teacher, photographer, eccentric and beloved “barfly” since first arriving at MSU as a student in the 1960s.
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