Larry Chatmon, Jr

Larry Chatmon Jr. was born in Bolton, MS, to the late Larry Chatmon Sr. and Henrietta Chatmon on March 5, 1948. He peacefully departed this life on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at his home in Bolton, MS.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was a long-standing member of Chapel Hill M.B. Church. He began his education in the Chapel Hill and Sumner Hill communities and completed high school at Hinds Agricultural High School in Utica, MS. He later earned his degree from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS.

After graduation, he held various jobs, including teaching, but did not find his niche until he began working for the United States Department of Agriculture. In this role, he excelled and truly loved his work.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing—activities he could often do as part of his job. His work took him across the state surveying land, conducting land preservation campaigns, and visiting schools to distribute trees for Arbor Day. Outside of work, he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed farming and raising cattle. Known for his quick wit and playful, mischievous nature, he brought joy to those around him.

He enjoyed all of these things until a car accident in 1993, which left him partially paralyzed. Yet, being the resilient man he was, he embraced a second chapter—connecting with loved ones by phone. He found joy in long conversations with family and friends, often spending hours on the phone. As his health declined, he missed being able to call his friends at will, but many continued to reach out, brightening his days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Henrietta Chatmon of Bolton, MS; brother L.C. Chatmon of Champagne, IL; sister, Shellie Jones of Columbus, MS; and sister, Elnora Funchess of Bolton, MS.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his brother Willie Earl Peace of Los Angeles, CA; Charmel Chatmon of Jackson, MS; Chrystal (Leroi) Gray of Clinton, MS; Larry Chatmon III of Jackson, MS; Candice (Deismon) Ross of Jackson, MS; brother-in-law Starling Jones Sr. of Columbus, MS; nephew Starling Jones Jr. (Lisa) of Lawrenceville, GA; niece Teshana Stephens (Al) of Atlanta, GA; nephew Quaylon Jones of Columbus, MS; niece Marquita Jones of TX; niece Benita Denton (Eric) of Madison, MS; niece Demetra Funchess of Bolton, MS; nephew Bennie Carl Funchess of VA; son Ezelle McGowan of Edwards, MS; daughters Laverne and Dawn Kelly of Jackson, MS; son Darryl McKinley of Chicago, IL; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and family.