We are heartbroken to share that our father, James Lavoy Wardell, Sr, 94, passed away on August 28th, 2026. He was born in Pineville, MS on November 25th, 1931, to Edward Wardell and Ophelia Webb Wardell.

After serving his country in the Navy in the Korean War and being stationed in Long Beach,

California, Lavoy returned to Mississippi, where he and his beloved wife and sweetheart, Mary Ann Bassett, built a home, raised a family, and shared more than 70 years of marriage, a remarkable testament to commitment and love. His life was marked by devotion, humility, and enduring commitment.

Lavoy was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. His remarks were thoughtful, sometimes unexpectedly witty, but always meaningful. He didn't seek attention. He simply lived with integrity and that example spoke volumes.

Lavoy found joy in simple things, like riding his tractor and tending his tomatoes, tackling projects around the house, enjoying a slice of pie, or settling into his recliner with the day's paper. He didn't need extravagance to feel content. His happiness was rooted in faith, family, and in the people around him.

Lavoy was deeply devoted to First Baptist Church of Shady Grove, where he was a member for 70 years. He was a faithful servant and lived his faith through steadfast service to his church community.

Lavoy was preceded in death by his father and mother, his beloved wife, his siblings, and his grandson, Owen Morgan. He is survived by his son, James Wardell of Laurel, MS, his daughters, Marissa McKinley (Ted) of Hattiesburg, MS, and Gina Anderson (Tom) of Ellisville, MS.

Lavoy was a proud grandfather to 5 grandchildren, Jason Reddoch (Courtney) of Fort Collins,

CO, Courtney Morgan of Columbus, GA, Kolton Wardell (Stephanie) of Laurel, MS, Kyra Knight (Alex) of Waynesboro, MS, and Karson Wardell (Kristin) of Brandon, MS. He was also blessed to have many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Shady Grove. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am at the same location, with burial at Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Chris Sledge will officiate the services. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

The Wardell family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to his caregivers, Robin Holder and Tina Giles, who provided exceptional care and love for our dad over the past year and became like family to him, and to his church community who have loved him and provided comfort to him in so many ways.

Our dad is our hero. He was a steady presence to our mom and all the family. His life reminds us that a legacy isn’t always loud. Sometimes it's built day by day, with care and faithfulness. We are so grateful for the time we had with him and will miss him dearly.