John (Jack) Featherston Colbert, Jr. died Wednesday, December 3, 2008, in Jackson, MS, of leukemia. He was 80 years old. Mr. Colbert was born September 8, 1928, in Brooksville, MS. His parents were Wilma Gray and John (Jack) Featherston Colbert, Sr. His childhood nickname was "Huck" because he loved the outdoors and hunting. He graduated from Brooksville High School and received his bachelor's degree in science education from Delta State University in 1952, where he played football. He met his wife, Winona Smith, at a college dance and three months later they were married. He always said, "I knew she would make a great wife and she did." They were happily married for 58 years. Mr. Colbert taught high school science in Cleveland, MS, where he held a lifetime license to teach in secondary public schools. In Cleveland he also worked as a manufacturer's representative. When he was 24 years old, he and his family moved to Columbus, MS, where he was a sales representative for Sears and Roebuck for 20 years. For the next 44 years he was a realtor and owner of Colbert Realty in Columbus, MS, and was a member and past president of the Columbus Host Lions Club. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Ann Colbert Gray; and grandson, Charles Emory Fitts, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Winona Smith Colbert of Hot Springs, AR; brother-in-law Wallace Slick Gray, Jr.; daughter, Jacqueline Colbert Fitts and son-in-law Charles E. Fitts of Calhoun City, MS; daughter Julie Ann Colbert of Jackson, MS; granddaughter, Jewels Faulkner, whom he called "Precious," of Jackson, MS; and two nieces. The most important thing in Mr. Colbert's life was his faith in God and his family. He took great joy in actively participating in the lives of his children and grandchild. Mr. Colbert touched the lives of all those around him based on his belief that you should live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and leave the rest to God. Visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbus, MS. on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 12:00 - 1:30 PM. Funeral services will be held on the same day at First Baptist Church of Columbus, MS, at 2:00. Graveside services will follow at Brooksville Cemetery. Pallbearers are Robert Arguello, Philip Arguello, Dennis Fair, Colbert Jones, J.W. Jones, and Terry Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Heard, Tiny Heard, Charles Sciple, Lance Arguello, Larry Troyer, Dr. Jack Reed, and Aubrey Nichols. For those desiring, memorials may be made to LeBonheur Children's Medical Center, 50 N. Dunlap St, Memphis, TN 38103.
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