Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Poplarville for Mr. John Louis Starkey, Jr., 79, of Poplarville who passed away Sunday, December 13, 2009 in L.S.U., Bogalusa Medical Center, Bogalusa, La. Brother Tommy Anthony will officiate at the service. Burial will be in Poplarville City Cemetery.

A native of Poplarville, he was born July 23, 1930 to John Louis Starkey, Sr. and Annie Ruth East-Starkey. A United States Navy Veteran; he was a member of First Baptist Church of Poplarville; an alumnus of Pearl River Community College – being active in their alumni association, class of 1949; a graduate of Mississippi State University; a member of the Mississippi Cattleman’s Association being awarded 1994 Cattleman of the Year; a member of the Mississippi Association of Realtors; enjoyed drinking coffee with the “Misfits”; and most especially enjoyed days with his “fishing buddies”.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: his wife, Ruth Willingham-Starkey; and one daughter, Jo Ann Strahan.

Survivors include: one daughter, Lyn Seals of Franklinton, La; one sister, Anna Mary Anderson of Poplarville; seven grandchildren: Kristy Compton, Rudy Strahan, Elizabeth Strahan, Will Strahan, Logan Seals, Shay Ann Seals and Kyley Seals; four great-grandchildren: Branson Ellis, Peyton Ellis, Grace Ellis, and Scott Compton; and a very dear and loving friend, Lela B. Smith.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 15, 2009 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at White Funeral Home in Poplarville and will resume on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 from 9 a.m. until the time of services at First Baptist Church of Poplarville.

White Funeral Home in Poplarville (601) 795-4982 is in charge of the arrangements.