Philadelphia, MS – Services for Gary Dwayne Chamblee will be held Saturday (May 30) at 11 a.m. at the McClain-Hays Chapel, in Philadelphia, Miss., officiated by Bro. Phillip Rowland, with burial following at the New Harmony Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday (May 29) from 5-8 p.m.
Gary Chamblee, 78, of Philadelphia, Miss., passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Tuesday (May 26). He was a member of New Harmony Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. A lifelong resident of Neshoba County, Gary was a graduate of Edinburg High School and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force with four years of service as a Sergeant during the Vietnam conflict. Gary was a carpenter by trade prior to purchasing a farm, where he ventured into the poultry industry and was awarded Outstanding Farmer of the Year in 1986.
As a community-minded man, Gary served as President of the Neshoba Central Athletic Booster Club and Neshoba County Cattlemen’s Association. He also served as a Neshoba County Supervisor, a member of the Neshoba County CO-OP Board of Directors, and a passionate member of the Neshoba County Fair Board of Directors for over 25 years. He also served as the official race timer for the harness races for many years. Gary had a heart of service for his country and community, but even more so for his family. Whether related by blood or not, Gary’s family was his most prized possession.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte, of 59 years; daughter, Gay (Joey) McCann of Sebastopol; granddaughter, Kalee (Anthony) Cypher of Philadelphia; grandson, Wyatt (Emily) McCann of Sebastopol; great-grandson, Wacey Cypher of Philadelphia; brother, Randy (Missy) Chamblee of Philadelphia; sister, Deborah Myers of Brandon; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended grandchildren whom he claimed as his own. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mandy Chamblee; parents, Eirtis and Juanita Chamblee; and brother, Aaron Chamblee.