In 2025, we said goodbye to those whose lives were distinguished by service to their communities. We note the passing of government officials, a longtime economic developer, a media personality, business people, an artist, doctor and a former Mississippi State baseball standout.
R.H. Brown, 76, Columbus
Long-time radio and TV reporter and anchor, who spent the last 16 years of his career at WCBI-TV in Columbus. Noted for his smooth baritone voice and humble nature, the veteran also served as pastor at Living Manna Church in West Point until his death.
Louise Campbell, 87, West Point
Lifelong patron of the arts, culture and progress of her adopted hometown. Led the Prairie Arts Festival for 25 years and lent her time and expertise to several boards, including those of Mary Holmes College and the West Point–Clay County Arts Council. The restored McClure’s Building in downtown West Point was renamed the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts.
Gary Goodwin, 68, Columbus
Municipal judge whose legal career spanned more than 40 years in a variety of roles, including Lowndes County prosecutor, public defender and municipal judge, where he served 13 years over two separate stints. His various positions reflected both his love for the law as well as his heart for public service.
Steven James Sr., 60, Columbus
Much-beloved pastor at United Christian Missionary Baptist Church, where his services were known for their joyous, upbeat tone and spirited music, enhanced by his own fine singing voice. Was a successful business entrepreneur, including ownership of a taxi service and other businesses. Served the community through his work on various boards and committees.
Brenda Lathan, 68, Columbus
Economic development executive and one of the few Black women in the field. Spent more than 20 years working in economic development in Lowndes County, beginning as a receptionist/secretary at the Columbus-Lowndes Economic Development Authority, the predecessor of the Golden Triangle Development LINK, where she eventually worked her way up senior vice president of economic development, playing major roles in recruiting most of the major industries to arrive in the Golden Triangle. Also served as a board member for the Columbus Redevelopment Authority.
Bill Lawrence, 85, Caledonia
Served two terms as mayor of Caledonia, his lifelong home. Served his first term as mayor from 2005-2009 and returned to the office in 2013 in a landslide victory. Was active in promoting the annual Caledonia Day celebration, including as chairman of the event in 2012. A U.S. Army veteran, he worked for Southern Airways and Beneke Corporation and was a member of Flint Hill Baptist Church.
Thomas Lee Sr., 82, Columbus
One of Columbus’ favorite sons, was a standout high school football player, one of the city’s first Black police officers, an award-winning salesman who purchased Sykes Funeral Home in 1992, where he ran the business as Lee-Sykes Funeral Home. Served for almost 30 years on the Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority, where he helped recruit new manufacturing and industry and used his influence to secure good jobs for Black workers.
Caleb Reed, 35, Mississippi State
All-SEC relief pitcher. Originally from Cleveland, Mississippi, played a key role in the Bulldogs’ 2011 Super Regional squad and 2012 SEC Tournament Championship team. Recorded 21 saves over his junior and senior seasons. Was also noted for his contributions off the field, being honored as a member of the SEC Baseball Community Service Team for his volunteer work in reading programs for the Starkville schools as well as Thanksgiving food drives.
Dr. Jacob Skiwski, 80, Columbus
Affectionately known as “Dr. Ski,” Skiwski practiced medicine for 47 years, caring for hundreds of children. His passion for the most vulnerable patients led to his trademark greeting when entering the hospital each morning: “Any new ones? Any blue ones?,” referring to the newborns and the most vulnerable children. He was also recognized as a great teacher for pediatric nurses.
Slim Smith is a columnist and feature writer for The Dispatch. His email address is [email protected].
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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R.H. Brown, 76, Columbus: Long-time radio and TV reporter and anchor, who spent the last 16 years of his career at WCBI-TV in Columbus. Noted for his smooth baritone voice and humble nature, the veteran also served as pastor at Living Manna Church in West Point until his death.
Louise Campbell, 87, West Point: Lifelong patron of the arts, culture and progress of her adopted hometown. Led the Prairie Arts Festival for 25 years and lent her time and expertise to several boards, including those of Mary Holmes College and the West Point–Clay County Arts Council. The restored McClure’s Building in downtown West Point was renamed the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts.
Gary Goodwin, 68, Columbus: Municipal judge whose legal career spanned more than 40 years in a variety of roles, including Lowndes County prosecutor, public defender and municipal judge, where he served 13 years over two separate stints. His various positions reflected both his love for the law as well as his heart for public service.
Steven James Sr., 60, Columbus: Much-beloved pastor at United Christian Missionary Baptist Church, where his services were known for their joyous, upbeat tone and spirited music, enhanced by his own fine singing voice. Was a successful business entrepreneur, including ownership of a taxi service and other businesses. Served the community through his work on various boards and committees.
Brenda Lathan, 68, Columbus: Economic development executive and one of the few Black women in the field. Spent more than 20 years working in economic development in Lowndes County, beginning as a receptionist/secretary at the CLEDA, the predecessor of the Golden Triangle Development LINK, where she eventually became senior vice president of economic development, playing major roles in recruiting major industries. Also served as board member for the Columbus Redevelopment Authority.
Bill Lawrence, 85, Caledonia: Served two terms as mayor of Caledonia, his lifelong home. Served his first term as mayor from 2005-2009 and returned to the office in 2013 in a landslide victory. Was active in promoting the annual Caledonia Day celebration, including as chairman of the event in 2012. A U.S. Army veteran, he worked for Southern Airways and Beneke Corporation and was a member of Flint Hill Baptist Church.
Thomas Lee Sr., 82, Columbus: One of Columbus’ favorite sons, was a standout high school football player, one of the city’s first Black police officers, an award-winning salesman who purchased Sykes Funeral Home in 1992, where he ran the business as Lee-Sykes Funeral Home. Served for almost 30 years on the Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority, where he helped recruit new manufacturing and industry and used his influence to secure good jobs for Black workers.
Caleb Reed, 35, Mississippi State: All-SEC relief pitcher. Originally from Cleveland, Mississippi, played a key role in the Bulldogs’ 2011 Super Regional squad and 2012 SEC Tournament Championship team. Recorded 21 saves over his junior and senior seasons. Was also noted for his contributions off the field, being honored as a member of the SEC Baseball Community Service Team for his volunteer work in reading programs for the Starkville schools as well as Thanksgiving food drives.
Dr. Jacob Skiwski, 80, Columbus: Affectionately known as “Dr. Ski,” Skiwski practiced medicine for 47 years, caring for hundreds of children. His passion for the most vulnerable patients led to his trademark greeting when entering the hospital each morning: “Any new ones? Any blue ones?,” referring to the newborns and the most vulnerable children. He was also recognized as a great teacher for pediatric nurses.
