Jimmy Walton Pannell, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home on June 16, 2026, after a three-year battle with cancer. He leaves behind a legacy of family, laughter, generosity, and kindness.

Jimmy was born on August 13, 1944, in Oneonta, Alabama. He worked hard from the time he was a little boy selling produce with his father and later owned his own business for over 55 years, Jimmy Pannell Tomato Company. In 2011, he retired and has spent the last years enjoying time with his family and friends.

Jimmy was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a special man to all who knew him. He loved to make people laugh with his jolly personality, and he had a wonderful attitude about life. He was the life of the party when people would gather to fellowship with him. Jimmy had a profound impact on his community and the people who loved him. He treated everyone with kindness and respect and made people feel like part of his family. His kindness, warmth, and welcoming nature will be remembered by all who knew him. He loved people and enjoyed spending time with all those he knew.

Jimmy was honest and extremely generous to others. He was always giving of himself to those around him. Sometimes he gave in tangible ways, and other times he gave of his time, energy, and resources.  In his younger years, Jimmy loved to cook steaks and invite people over for get-togethers in his home. He loved watching football, baseball, and old westerns. He also loved to fish and hunt with his best friend, Travis Nabors. He enjoyed playing cards and enjoyed playing Rook in recent years with his family. He will be remembered by his family as a kind, gentle, and loving father and husband.

Three years ago, Jimmy was diagnosed with cancer and given a month to live. He was brought home in a hospital bed on hospice. As the weeks went by, he began walking again and regained his strength. He came off hospice and began taking cancer treatments. He faithfully took them every two weeks for 3 years. He never missed one treatment. He was a strong fighter who didn’t give up easily and pressed on for his family. He fought hard until the very end of his life and exemplified true grit, determination, resilience, and stamina.

Most of all, Jimmy was a family man. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren fiercely. One of his greatest joys in life was being Pop to his grandchildren and great grandchild. Whether sharing stories, offering advice, or simply making them laugh, his love for them was constant and unconditional. He would go to the ends of the earth to meet their needs and take care of them. He believed in hard work and determination and was a good provider for his family. He always had something to give his grandchildren when they came to visit.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Nina, of 65 years, his two children: Candice Brown of Columbus and Donna Bain (Keith) of Carrollton, Alabama, three grandchildren: Blake Brown (Anna) of Huntsville, Alabama, Carrington Bain of Cullman, Alabama, Clark Bain of Carrollton, Alabama, one great grandchild: Adrian Brown, and his sister, Janet Usher. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walton and Eloise Pannell, and his two brothers.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at North Mississippi Medical Center Hematology Oncology in Starkville for the wonderful care they gave Jimmy over the last three years and Dr. Jiahuai Tan and the nurses and staff of Enhabit Hospice for taking such good care of him during his battle with cancer.

Visitation will be Monday, June 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow the service at Friendship Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Blake Brown, Clark Bain, Devon Bell, Braden Bell, Brody Bell, Eddie Hawkins, Dusty Webb, Bubba Comer, Vee Ferguson, and Jimmy Busby. Honorary Pall Bearers will be Mike Webb, Ralph Tenneson, Robert Malone, Tommy Johnson, Jr., George Baldwin, Herbert Caston, Greg Andrews, Steve Andrews, Buddy Easley, John Davis, Greg Merchant, Steve Townsend, Leon Ellis, Charles Ellis, Scotty Oswalt, Roy Couvion, and Jeremy Robinson.

Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1380 Livingston Lane, Jackson, MS 39213 or the favorite charity of your choice.