Tj Menotti

T.J. MENOTTI

Toby Nelson Menotti (TJ) of Starkville, MS beloved son, brother, family member and friend to many passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2019.

Those who knew TJ will remember is bright smile and shining blue eyes.  TJ will be missed everyday by his father, Toby, mother, Susan, sister, Demi, and brothers, Dalton, Trapp, and Gray.   He also leaves behind his stepmother, Amy, grandparents, Janet Littlejohn, Floyd and Jan Hillis, and Willie and Sharon Menotti.   In addition, he will be missed by his uncle Will Hillis and his wife Kerri and his aunts, Emma Hillis and Tammy Menotti as well as numerous cousins and a multitude of friends who shared his passion for cars, trucks and any motorized vehicle.   TJ also leaves behind his best friend and K-9 companion, Bandit.

TJ was preceded in death by his grandmother, Melba Menotti, his grandfather, Bill Littlejohn, and his aunt, Tina Menotti Davis.

TJ was born in Columbus, MS on February 13, 1996.  He attended New Hope High School. He was proud to be a member of the state championship golf team.  Almost since birth TJ enjoyed operating and working on any type of vehicle. This passion led him to complete an Associates Degree from East Mississippi Community College where he concentrated on classes related to Mechanical Engineering.   While at EMCC, he also completed the welding program receiving his NCCER certification. Presently, he was attending Mississippi State University, where he was pursuing a business degree. His dream was to combine his passion for cars with his business degree and open his own shop to customize vehicles.

He was passionate about dirt track racing and spent every weekend traveling with Trey Rickman and Rickman Racing.  He enjoyed every minute he spent at the Rickman shop or any dirt track in the area. He would travel long distances and stay up all night to be a part of the team.

TJ was also an avid NBA basketball fan and just this year got his first opportunity to see a game in person with his mother.  TJ loved that night and was looking forward to the next season so he could attend many more games.

As a child, TJ spent countless hours on various lakes.  He loved boating and all water sports. He dreamed of someday owning and living on a beautiful lake where he could share his love of the water with his family and friends.

Arrangements are being handled by Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home & Crematory, 2nd Ave. North location in Columbus, MS.  Visitation is Saturday, July 20, 2019, from 12-2 with a celebration of TJ’s life to follow at 2 at the funeral home.   Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are TJ’s brothers, Dalton, Trapp, and Gray, as well as his close friends, Trey Rickman, Cameron Hayes, and Aidan Fletcher.  In lieu of flowers the family asked that donations be made to the charity of your choice.