The funeral service for Mr. James Willard King will be 10 a.m., Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Carmel Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m., Friday, January 27, at Carmel Baptist Church.

Mr. King, 91, of Monticello, passed away January 24, 2023. He was born in Monticello, MS, on April 21, 1931. Mr. King served his country in the United States Army and Air Force during the time of the Korean War, as Sergeant First Class. He was awarded a Korean Service Medal, a Combat Infantry Badge, a UN Service Medal, and he was also awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery during battle. After returning home, Mr. King began a career with Electrolux where he was a salesman for many years. He enjoyed being outdoors and working in his garden. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary McClain Cox King; parents, George King and Rhoda Mae King; and his youngest son, Steven King.

Mr. King is survived by his son, Don King and wife, Linda; daughter, BeLinda Gail Hudson; three grandchildren, Donnie King, Misty King, and Emily King; and one great grandson, Braxton King.

The funeral service for Acie Joseph “A.J.” Spring will be 11 a.m., Thursday, January 26, at Johnson Grove Church of Christ, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday, at Johnson Grove Church of Christ.

Mr. Spring, 76, of Smithdale, passed away January 22, 2023, in Jackson, MS. He was born in Franklin County, MS, October 1, 1946, to George Washington Spring and Gertrude Nunnery Spring.

After graduating from McComb High School, AJ played football at Southwest Junior College and Mississippi College. He worked for over 20 years with Allstate Insurance as an Agent. AJ was a member of Johnson Grove Church of Christ. He previously served as an Elder and Deacon at McComb Church of Christ, where he also taught Bible classes. An avid outdoorsman, he loved spending his free time fishing, hunting and golfing. AJ developed a grass mowing ministry which was a great passion of his. One of his greatest pastimes was watching his grandkids participate in a variety of activities. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

AJ is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Wayne Spring, Ralph Spring, and Warren Spring.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 ½ years, Janie Spring; children, Randy Spring and wife, Amy and Julie Spring Piper and husband, Shawn; brother, Eddie Spring and wife, Pat; sister, Frances Spring Berch; three grandchildren, Brett Spring and wife, Katie, Brady Spring, and Taylor Belle Piper. He is also survived by a host of friends and family and countless cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Johnson Grove Church of Christ Youth Group, 665 Auburn Drive SW, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629.

The funeral service for Jean A. Freeman will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, at Riverwood Family, with burial to follow in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, January 24, at Riverwood and will resume from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.

Mrs. Freeman, 81, of Hazlehurst, passed away January 21, 2023, at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb. She was born in Booneville, MS, August 17, 1941, to Lester H. Abernathy and Ruth Abernathy. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where she was honored to play the piano. She also enjoyed free time gardening, reading a good book, or watching Judge Judy on television, and watching the stars with Michael. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends as well as her faith family at Pleasant Hill.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. “Bob” Freeman; her parents; brother, Euclid “Jr” Anderson; sister, Doris Sumrall; and nephew, Howard Sullivan.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Deborah Costilow (Michael); son, Robert D. “Bobby” Freeman (Rhonda); and daughter, Donna Freeman; sisters, Faye Coke and Ann Coleman (Billy); four grandchildren, Courtney King, Micayla Ard, Derek Freeman, and Lexie Freeman; and three great grandchildren, Slayde King, Sylas Ard, and Robert Michael Freeman. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142

Mr. Robert A. Gerhardt, Jr., 76, died January 14, 2023, at his residence in Magnolia, MS. He was born in New Orleans, LA, April 20, 1946, to Robert Adolph Gerhardt, Sr. and Margaret Cardella Gerhardt.

Mr. Gerhardt worked as a Field Auditor for Boh Brother’s Construction Company. Being an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary Ann H. Gerhardt; his stepchildren, William F. “Butch” Massey (Ellie) and Margaret Ann Massey; three grandchildren and one great grandchild; sister, Gilda G. Mares (Billy); nephew, Jonathan W. Mares (Alicia) and Niece, Kristin M. Dupont (Brian). He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.