Porter Funeral Home

05/31/2026

In the early hours of May 30, 2026, Reginald Flay Hill (“Reggie”) passed as he wished: peacefully at home with family by his side. Reggie was born in Nanih Waiya, Mississippi on February 7, 1952 to Howard (Father) and Johnnie Dee Wray (Mother) Hill. Reggie was the oldest of six children and was a devoted and loving son and big brother. His siblings are sisters Linda Boydston (Mike) and Kathy Vanlandingham (Ricky), and his brothers, Danny, Warren and Tommy Hill, and infant Bobbie Ray. When his father passed away suddenly in 1969, Reggie assumed responsibility for helping his mother take care of the family – which he did. His relentless work ethic, ambition, and intelligence took him to places and gave him the success that only a dreamer like him could have thought possible. From rural Mississippi to Texas, from Nigeria to Singapore with his son, Quinn Michael – and so many places in between – Reggie travelled the world solidifying his name and reputation in the offshore oil industry. He loved to explore new places, meet new people and, being a food connoisseur, try new cuisines and constantly cook for family and friends. Nevertheless, Reggie never forgot his roots, remaining close with his family and always calling Mississippi home. After retirement, he returned to a quiet and peaceful life in Nanih Waiya, building his dream home only two miles from the simple farm on which he was born. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Warren and Tommy Hill, and an infant brother, Bobbie Ray.
Reggie passed along his sense of humor, love of cooking and work ethic to his son, Quinn Michael Hill (Sharla). Reg taught “Q” so much about life, from working on the tractor to the value of exploring the world. And anyone that knew Reggie knew he was crazy about his two granddaughters, Estes and Palmer Hill ("his girls"), and he was the best "Papa" to them by teaching them how to fish, drive the Kubota, and just rolling around on the floor. He also loved to travel with his many nieces and nephews throughout their childhood and made special memories with them that are cherished.
We will continue to tell old stories and share old memories while we work to create new ones. He loved life and left a legacy to his family and friends. We vow to continue what he began and hold those values close and share in fellowship and fun at Hill Manor for years to come.
Already, he is so very missed.
A private family memorial celebration of Reggie’s life will be held at a later date.
Memorials in Reggie’s memory may be made to Vernon Methodist Church, c/o Babs Moore, 106 Hanna Road, Louisville, MS, 39339; or the charity of your choice.

To sign the guest register, go to www.porterfuneralhome.net.

05/28/2026

Friday, 5/29/2026, 10 A.M. Veterans Cemetery, Kilmichael, MS

05/26/2026

Mrs. Teressa Leigh Huntley, 62, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, MS, with her loving husband, Michael, of 39 years by her side. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 27th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Rob Faulk officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Shiloh Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Teressa was born February 20, 1964, in Louisville, to Billy and Mae Hemphill. She became Mrs. William Michael Huntley on December 21, 1986. They were blessed with children and grandchildren whom she cared about more than anything in the world. The two of them blessed the community with more than just a daycare, restaurant, or swim lesson, but a second home to countless children and families. She opened her home, heart, and kitchen to each one of us, any and all, person, dog or stranger that she met. Her days were never complete without the love she had for her dogs: Annie, Ollie, Hayes, Tank, Payne, and more others. No words, song, story, or memory could ever be enough to describe, remember or honor Teressa Huntley. She owned her own daycare for many years and was a swimming instructor. Her contagious laugh and vibrant smile will be with each of us and so many forever. Her legacy is her family and her faith in God, and a few ever-changing recipes. The only thing that she wanted to share more with the world, besides the pride she felt & the millions of pictures and videos she took of her family, was, "If I got Jesus, I got it all!"

She was preceded in death by her parents; three children, Melanie Smith, Melissa Smith, and William Huntley; a sister, Sandra Hemphill Foster; and her best friend, Melissa Vanderveen.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Huntley of Brandon, MS; three sons, Rodney Smith of Brandon, MS; Stephen Huntley of Brandon, MS, and Dillon (Samantha) Huntley of Madison; a sister, Robin (Billy Joe) Carter of Louisville; her mother-in-law, Judy (Hank) Eaves; her grandchildren, Marleigh Smith, Keegan Phillips, Levi Smith, Corabella Papalambros, Annaleise Huntley, John Douglas Huntley, Abby Laine Huntley, and Sutton Huntley; and one great grandchild, Dalton Brooks.

Pallbearers will be Michael Huntley, Rodney Smith, Stephen Huntley, Dillon Huntley, Seth Smith, and Keegan Phillips.

To sign the guest register, please visit www.porterfuneralhome.net.

05/20/2026

05/17/2026

Mr. Jerry Thomas Townsend, 83, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 19th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Mike Dowd officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Townsend Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Townsend was born March 8, 1943, in Neshoba County, to William “Mutt” and Nadine Wilcher Townsend. He married Geneva Buck and together they shared 61 years of marriage. Over the years, he was a drywall installer and worked in the logging business.
Despite experiencing a stroke many years ago, Jerry never lost the stubborn determination and strong-willed spirit that defined him. He always found joy by engaging in teasing conversation that always resulted in loud laughter. He had a strong desire to stay connected with family and for the younger generation to know their family history. He spent many hours trying to tell stories through old pictures.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Frank Townsend; a son-in-law, Tim Cutlip; a sister, Peggy Duckworth; two brothers, Truman Townsend and Billy Townsend; and a granddaughter, Crystal Romedy.
He is survived by his wife, Geneva Buck Townsend of Louisville; a son, Thomas (Kay) Townsend of Louisville, MS; a daughter, Jerri Cutlip of Blue Springs, MS; a sister-in-law, Ruby Townsend of Philadephia, MS; four grandchildren, Chad (Megan) Townsend, Matthew Cutlip, Beka Townsend, and Darrion Wesley; and a number of great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Chad Townsend, Matthew Cutlip, Jeremiah Shaffer, Al Duckworth, Richard Townsend, and Randy Townsend.
To sign the guestbook, please go to www.porterfuneralhome.net.

05/06/2026

William Johnson, 79, passed away on May 5, 2026, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville, Mississippi, and went home to be with the Lord.

Born on September 21, 1946, William was raised in Noxapater, Mississippi, the son of Willard Alexander Johnson and Kathleen Lofton Kemp. He grew up with his brother, Johnny Johnson, enjoying a childhood filled with fishing and hunting alongside Noxapater Creek. As a young man, William was baptized at Noxapater Baptist Church. William treasured his years at Noxapater High School, where he formed lifelong friendships. A proud Noxapater Tiger, he often reminisced about his accomplishments in football and basketball, and he kept his letterman’s jacket as a cherished reminder of those days.
He attended Mississippi State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Entomology, a Master’s degree in Entomology and Wildlife Management, and completing PhD coursework in Entomology and Botany. William began his career conducting research aimed at eradicating boll weevils from cotton crops. He was an entrepreneur at heart; founding his own agriculture and crop consulting business in Mississippi and South Georgia, and eventually launching a pine straw supply business serving Mississippi and Alabama.
William never met a stranger. He loved conversation and found joy in connecting with people from all walks of life. His favorite stories often revolved around quail hunting with his beloved bird dogs, his garden, and adventures from his early days of dating Patti, his wife of 53 years. William was a member at First Baptist Church, Louisville.
He is survived by his wife, Patti Todd Johnson and his children: Michael (Sheila) Johnson, Emily (Guy) McClain, Julie Johnson, and Todd (Landrey) Johnson. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Lane Johnson, Maggie Johnson, Madison (Hunter) Aycock, Meredith McClain, Hutch McClain, Kathleen Bess McClain, Tripp Johnson, Noble Johnson, and Anne Spencer Johnson; and one great-grandchild, Fletcher Aycock. He is also survived by his younger brother Johnny (Cheryl) Johnson, his nephews Chris Johnson and Brad (Jessica) Johnson.
William was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved mother-in-law, Annie Bess Todd.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 8, at Old Mars Hill Cemetery, 3100 Mars Hill Road, Philadelphia, Mississippi. The service will be officiated by Dr. Jimmy Porter and Rev. Tim Smith. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family is thankful for a merciful God who loves His children all of their days and finds peace in the assurance that William is now in His presence.

04/30/2026

Isla Vale Tabor, 86, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and faithful servant of God, joined her Lord and Savior on April 29, 2026. There is no doubt she is being welcomed into Heaven with the words from Matthew 25:23 - “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Born Sept. 24,1939, she was the youngest of five raised by their strong and loving mother Katie Mae Finkley. She grew up in the Whitehall community, enjoying the simple things like pond swimming, and playing in the fields with her brothers and sister. She attended and graduated from Louisville High School where she participated in the drama and Bible clubs. During the summer of 1955, she met the love her life Harry Bernard Tabor, Jr., and they married on June 17,1957, at Whitehall Church. Together they built a beautiful life – raising their four children on a foundation of love, faith and service to each other, their church and their community.
Vale was beloved among all those who knew her. With her striking auburn hair, twinkling eyes and kind smile, she exuded warmth to everyone she met and brought a positive energy to everything she did. She was virtuous, selfless and kind with an infectious playful spirit. She chose the challenging career of being a full-time mom and it was a job she relished. Vale made the Tabor house the home where kids and teens wanted to spend their free time, enjoying home-cooked meals and sage advice. She ran the carpools, served on the PTA, proudly and loudly supported her children from the stands and was the Girl Scout and Cub Scout troop leader everyone adored.
She was always up for anything - water skiing, harrowing rollercoasters or killing a snake. Also, she could outlast anyone in the garden or in a competitive game of cards and Scrabble where she was often the victor.
She equally cherished her role as grandmother to 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was revered for hosting fun sleepovers and endless games of Chutes and Ladders, Go Fish, and tag. She was even spotted playing soccer with her youngest grandson wearing her housecoat. By all accounts, she was a fierce competitor and showed no mercy.
Outside of her family, she devoted her time to Whitehall Church, answering the call to teach Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, help with the annual bazaar and participate in various women’s groups and committees. Her life of service extended to various Louisville civic clubs including more than 45 years – along with her husband – with the Lion’s Club where she served in leadership roles and as president.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Katie Mae Finkley; brothers Earl, Douglas and Victor; and her sister Zenith Williamson.
She is survived by her adoring husband of 69 years, Harry Bernard Tabor, Jr., and their four children and their spouses: Tammy and David Morgan; Tim and Tammie Tabor; Debbie and Kevin Arnett; and Terri and Matt Hickey. She will forever be cherished by her 11 grandchildren: Phillip Watson, Laura Kujawa, Anna Claire Morgan, Tyler Tabor, Taryn Jones, Andrew Arnett, Amanda Arnett, Matt Arnett, Stephen Arnett, John Phillip Arnett and Liam Hickey. She will also be fondly remembered by her 13 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 2nd, at Whitehall Church, with Rev. Mike Dowd and Rev. Don Bishop officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 1:30 P.M. until service time at the church. Interment will be in Whitehall Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Whitehall Church, 10954 Hwy 14 West, Louisville, MS or Mississippi Lions Clubs Sight Foundation, 431 Katherine Drive, Flowood, MS, 39232.

04/30/2026

Mrs. Carol Stewart Moody, 86, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at her home in Louisville. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 2nd, at Calvary Baptist Church, with Rev. Stewart Moody and Rev. Johnny Collins officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Porter Funeral Home. Interment will be in Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Carol was born March 20, 1940, in McComb, MS, to Kenneth and Helen Sproles Stewart. She attended Gillsburg Attendance Center through the 11th grade, and graduated from Liberty Attendance Center after the schools consolidated. After high school, she went on the earn a degree in education from Mississippi College. She taught elementary school for many years. She married Charles M. Moody in 1963, and supported him in his pastoral ministry through the years. They served at Zoar Baptist Church in Deltaville, VA from 1972 until 1985, and then at First Baptist Church in Morton, MS, for 15 years. They moved back to Louisville in 1996 when Charles accepted the senior pastor role at Calvary Baptist Church. Carol was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she was involved in all of the church ministries, especially WMU and the choir. Carol loved gardening and spending time with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Charles M. Moody; her parents; and her siblings, Pat Stewart Strum, Bill Stewart, and Kenneth Stewart, Jr.

She is survived by three sons, Stewart (Julie) Moody of Statesboro, GA; Stephen (Carolyn) Moody and Charlie (Heather) Moody, both of Louisville; seven grandchildren, Will (Belle) Moody, Elizabeth Anne (Cam) Carroll, Flint Moody, Cal Moody, Levi Moody, Fern Moody, and Ellie Moody; and two great grandchildren, Hazel Moody and Sammy Carroll.

Pallbearers will be Will Moody, Cam Carroll, Jordan Mitchell, Flint Moody, Cal Moody, and Levi Moody.

The family would like to thank Carol’s caregivers, Linda Mills and Bessie Mullens, who took such good care of her during the last few years.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church.

04/22/2026

John W. “Johnny” Black, 71, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at his home in Louisville, Ms. A graveside service and interment will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 25th, at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Rev. Mike Childs officiating. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Johnny was born February 16, 1955, in Louisville, MS, to Bobby Lee and Janice Lynn White Black. He was a 1973 graduate of Winston Academy, and went on to Mississippi State University where he earned a business degree. He was a pilot for Sharp Construction Company for many years. He was also a property manager for his family’s business. He was a lifelong member of Louisville Presbyterian Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his grandparents, John C. and Sarah Elizabeth Power Black; and E. Edison and Mary Estelle Glenn White.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Kelley Palmer Black of Louisville; two sisters, Beth Black (Kerry) Edwards, and Rhee Black (Glynn) Hankins, both of Louisville; and two brothers, Mike (Debra) Black of Austin, TX, and Stefan (Lori) Black of Louisville, MS; and his nephews, Graham Black of Austin, TX, Sam Hankins of Starkville, MS, Calen Edwards of New Orleans, LA, and Curry Black of Louisville, MS.
In keeping with his love for animals, memorials in Johnny’s memory may be made to the Louisville Animal Shelter.

04/14/2026

Mr. Niles Patterson “Pat” Autry, Sr., passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at his home in Louisville, MS. He was born in Ashland, Mississippi on March 11, 1937. He grew up in Ashland where he learned the value of hard work. Pat was a graduate of Ashland High School and attended Mississippi State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Along the way, he married his high school
sweetheart Margaret Ann Kidd, and they began their life together in Jackson.

They moved to Louisville in 1965 and Pat began work with Taylor Machine Works, serving faithfully until his retirement in 1999 when he joined the board of directors. He worked during those same years for Temtco Steel from its beginning in 1973 until his retirement in 2019.

Pat accepted Christ as a teenager. He loved the Lord and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, serving in various roles during his years there.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nyleen and Niles Autry and two brothers Bobby Autry and Tommy Autry.

Pat is survived by his wife Margaret Kidd Autry of Louisville; a son, Pat Autry (Sharon) of Sherman, TX; and a daughter, Nancy Autry of Louisville. He was also D-Daddy to three grandchildren Brittlea, Crislynn, and Davis Autry, and two great granddaughters.

A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, April 17th, at Ashland City Cemetery in Ashland, MS. A memorial service honoring Pat’s life will be held at First Baptist Church of Louisville at noon on May 7th. Visitation will begin at 11am.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all those who have helped care for Dad. They have been such a blessing!

Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Gateway Rescue Mission in Jackson, Mississippi, or House of Eli in Sherman, Texas, or French Camp Academy or other organization that shares God’s love.