Fisher-Riles Funeral Home & Crematory

Fisher-Riles Funeral Home & Crematory Riles Funeral Home was created with two principles in mind; keep the prices as low as possible and create a home-like facility.

We have combined affordability with the finest of facilities so any family can have the best service possible.

John Whitfield Erwin passed away on Tuesday, June 23 at his home surrounded by his children at the age of 77. Born and r...
06/24/2026

John Whitfield Erwin passed away on Tuesday, June 23 at his home surrounded by his children at the age of 77. Born and raised in Union Church, MS and had been a resident of Vicksburg for most of his adult life. He retired in 2013 from Anderson-Tully after spending 36 years as a millwright.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Whitfield Erwin and Helen Scott Erwin; two brothers, James Erwin and Pedro Erwin; and a sister, Alice Erwin.

He is survived by his children: John Erwin, Sr., Paula Erwin Traxler, Susan Erwin Murrah, and Brandy Erwin; a sister, Hattie Vines; two brothers, Robert Richardson, and John Herz; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 2 PM to 4 PM on Sunday, June 28 at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue in Vicksburg. Funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Monday at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at noon at Union Church Cemetery in Jefferson County. Pallbearers will be John Erwin, Sr., Nicholas Saldana, Matt Traxler, Bobby Davis, David Jackson, and Wayne Hambright.

George Warren Guider, Jr. was born on April 7, 1946, to Dr. and Mrs. George Guider of Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was the...
06/24/2026

George Warren Guider, Jr. was born on April 7, 1946, to Dr. and Mrs. George Guider of Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was the eldest of eight children.

Warren attended St. Aloysius High School, where he was active in sports, and graduated in 1964. He went on to attend and graduate from The University of Southern Mississippi in 1969. During this time, he also proudly served in the Army Reserve from 1969 to 1975.

While attending Southern Miss, Warren met the love of his life, Vera E. “Becky” Guider. The two were married in 1969 and shared more than fifty years together. They were blessed with two sons, George W. Guider III and Gaddis R. Guider.

For twenty years, Warren worked at the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Station before later founding and operating his own environmental company, Envirosav. His work took him throughout Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, and Michigan.

Warren believed deeply that young people should be actively involved in academics, athletics, and the arts. He devoted much of his time to coaching youth football and baseball and later served as an avid supporter of youth activities. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially when sharing those experiences with his sons and grandsons.

Those who knew Warren recognized his unique personality and sense of humor. He could be as impulsive and outspoken as St. Peter, yet quick to acknowledge mistakes and show remorse. His faith and his family were the constants of his life. He was a faithful member of St. Michael Catholic Church.

Warren is survived by his beloved wife, Vera E. “Becky” Guider; his sons, George W. Guider III (Tonya) and Gaddis R. Guider (Alissa); his grandsons, Peyton R. Guider (Stacia) and Kyle R. Guider (Jewel); his granddaughter, Amelia Guider; his great-grandchildren, Ayden Thomas, Greyson Guider, and McKenna Guider; as well as his seven cherished sisters; Gail Boland (Mike), Patricia Sadler (Robert), Judy Conerly (Marion), Karen Jacobs (Dick), Janelle Bond, (Dennis), Gwyn Neill (John), and Kelly Finch (John); his sister-in-law, Meg Hatch (Mike); and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends..

The family would like to thank Dr. Sam Pierce, Morgan Caufield, NP, and the staff at Heritage House Nursing Center.

Warren will be remembered for his devotion to family, his faith, his service to others, and his love of the outdoors. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Mary Nell Garvin McMaster, 87, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 in Vicksburg, MS. She was born November 14, 1938 ...
06/11/2026

Mary Nell Garvin McMaster, 87, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 in Vicksburg, MS. She was born November 14, 1938 in Vicksburg, MS. Mary Nell graduated from St. Francis Xavier Academy and maintained a close and lifelong connection with the Sisters of Mercy and the Mercy Associates.Mary Nell married Samuel Wayne McMaster on July 4, 1957, and they were devout members of St. Paul Catholic Church, where she served on several committees, including St. Paul Altar Society, director of the CCD program and participated in multiple Catholic Bible studies.An avid gardener, she was a member of Green Hills Garden Club. The Planters Hall mural at the Vicksburg Riverfront depicts Mary Nell in the company of her fellow gardeners. She also participated in Home Extension for 40 years, enjoying crafting and winning many blue ribbons. Like her mother, Mary Nell was a wonderful seamstress and embroidered beautiful pieces for her loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Barbara Nell and Cecil Dwyer; her beloved husband of 68 years, Wayne McMaster.

Survivors include her son, Paul McMaster (Janet) of Vicksburg, MS; daughters, Vicki Tedder (James) of Vicksburg, MS and Laura Couloubaritsis (George) of Memphis, TN; grandchildren, Barbara Tedder, Kelcey McMaster Johnson (Ben), Layne Tedder (Sierra), Kylie McMaster, Maryanna Storino (Franco) and Gabriella Couloubaritsis; great-grandchild, Kynleigh Tedder as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 13 from 10 AM until 11 AM at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue, Vicksburg, MS. Funeral services will be at 11 AM with the Rev. Ryan Humphries officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery
Pallbearers will be Paul McMaster, James Tedder, George Couloubaritsis, Layne Tedder, Franco Storino, Brian Pratt, Ben Johnson and Arvil Monday.

William Harold Freeman passed peacefully on May 31, 2026 at River Region Hospital in Vicksburg, MS. He was 83 years old....
06/03/2026

William Harold Freeman passed peacefully on May 31, 2026 at River Region Hospital in Vicksburg, MS. He was 83 years old.

William ‘Bill’ Freeman was born August 24, 1942 in Louisiana to Zachary and OV Freeman.
He entered the Marine Corps in 1959 and served five years in which he earned many medals, especially for expert marksmanship. He obtained the rank of Lance Corporal.

While serving in the Marines he met a beautiful Navy nurse named Judith Gantz at Camp Lejeune. They were married September 14, 1963 in Harlem Springs, Ohio and were married for 49 years until Judy’s death in 2012. In those 49 years they lived in many places for Bills jobs, which included Mining, Onshore and offshore Oil Drilling, Ranching, and finally Farming. Of all of his careers, Bill most enjoyed Ranching. They were active members of Solid Rock Church.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Gantz Freeman. He is survived by their five children: Mark Freeman (Charlotte), Britt Stevens (Cathy), Cindy Allen (Ken), Mary White (Justin), and Jesse Freeman; 11 grandchildren, namely Michael Freeman, Rita Freeman, Lera Freeman, Cody Stevens (Katie), Chelsea Hazelwood, Tysa Norville (Austin), Desiree Moghaddasi, Donovan Moghaddasi ( Monse), Seth Williams, Hailey Williams, and Griffith Freeman; and 2 great-grandchildren, namely Ivy Jo Stevens and Eli Stevens.

Services will be Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Solid Rock Church on Hwy 61 North. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 with service at 11:00. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery immediately following the service. Pallbearers are Clarence Cain, Dustin Pagan, Clint Gee, Jeff Laubach, Chris Adkins, and Thomas Jolly.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Solid Rock Church in Bills memory.

The family would like to thank the staff at Vicksburg Convalescent, The Bluffs, Dr. Paul Pierce and his team, Shelby Primeaux, Ashley Riggs, and the ICU Unit at River Region Hospital for their care over the past few years.

Nancy Virginia Andrews Mitchell died peacefully in her Oxford home on May 20, 2026, following outpatient surgery earlier...
05/23/2026

Nancy Virginia Andrews Mitchell died peacefully in her Oxford home on May 20, 2026, following outpatient surgery earlier in the day. She was 71.

Mrs. Mitchell, a native of Vicksburg, was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. H. Dean Andrews Sr. She graduated from South Vicksburg High School and Mississippi State University and taught art in the Vicksburg public schools for 30 years, retiring in 2011 from Warren Central High School. In education, she was a National Board Certified Master Teacher, STAR teacher and Mississippi Secondary Art Educator of the Year. She enjoyed keeping up with students as they enjoyed successful careers.

After retiring and moving to Oxford, she worked to develop her own skills, receiving many gallery prizes, commissions and recognitions. She enjoyed experimenting with colors, textures and techniques in many mediums, including pen and ink, watercolor, silk fusion, ceramics, acrylic, oil and needlework. Her typical subjects were animals and flowers because she said, she wanted to capture and share the joy she saw.

Mrs. Mitchell was a member of the Oxford Art Guild and the Mississippi Art Colony and a lifelong member of the Vicksburg Art Association. She also enjoyed travel, especially to Italy and other places in Europe to study and appreciate the genius of masters.

She is survived by her spouse of 52 years, Charles D. Mitchell of Oxford; two daughters, Virginia Ann Hisey of Ocala, Fla., and Bess Andrews Averett (Jeff) of Vicksburg; two grandsons, Mitchell Alexander Campbell of Ocala and John Walker Campbell of the United States Air Force; three granddaughters, Addison Evelyn, Annslee Virginia and Emily Harper Averett, all of Vicksburg; one sister, Patsy Andrews Martin of Arlington, Texas; and two brothers, H. Dean Andrews Jr. (Kelly) and Ronald Lee Andrews (Sharon), both of Vicksburg.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, at First Presbyterian Church, where she and Mr. Mitchell were married in 1974, 1501 Cherry St. in Vicksburg. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. in the church’s Ward Hall until the hour of service.

Memorials may be made to the Mississippi Art Colony Scholarship Fund, 400 South 34th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39402, or by performing, as she often did, a random act of kindness.

Edward Julius "Buddy" Irby, Jr. passed away on May 20, 2026. He was 72. Born October 13, 1953 to Susie Hullum Irby and E...
05/21/2026

Edward Julius "Buddy" Irby, Jr. passed away on May 20, 2026. He was 72. Born October 13, 1953 to Susie Hullum Irby and Edward J. Irby, Sr., Buddy spent most of his life in Vicksburg, graduating from Warren Central High School and earning a B.S. in Industrial Management from the University of Southern Mississippi. He married Carlleen Millis, also from Vicksburg, in 1974 and had 2 children. Professionally, Buddy spent nearly 40 years in the forest products industry, specifically hardwood lumber production and sales, both domestically and internationally. He was a member of National Hardwood Lumber Association, Hardwood Manufacturers’ Association, Lumbermen’s Club of Memphis and Southwestern Hardwood Manufacturers Club. He was an active member and former officer of Tennessee Bar Hunting Club.

Buddy is preceded in death by his father, E.J. Irby, Sr.; his mother, Susie Hullum Irby; his sister, Susan Faye Irby; and his wife, Carlleen Millis Irby.

He leaves behind one daughter Erin Jill McCullar; one son Nathan Edward Irby; one grandson, Ethan Lynn McCullar.

Services will be held at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue in Vicksburg on Friday, May 22 at 10 AM. Visitation will be held at 9 AM until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Antioch Cemetery: 8369 Campbell Sawmp Rd., Vicksburg, MS 39180

Lucille Porter Wooley, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on May 17, 2026.Born on May...
05/18/2026

Lucille Porter Wooley, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on May 17, 2026.

Born on May 29, 1943, in Valley Park MS, Lucille was raised in the Mississippi Delta as the youngest of six children. From an early age, she carried a strong spirit, determination, and love for life that would stay with her throughout the years.

As a young girl, Lucille enjoyed playing basketball and was known for her competitive spirit and energy. Over the years, she became an accomplished bowler, and later earned the distinction of becoming a first-degree black belt in karate — a reflection of both her discipline and inner strength.

Lucille was a lifelong Christian whose faith guided the way she treated others — with kindness, generosity, compassion, and grace. She was also a devoted member of Highland Baptist Church for more than 40 years.

Lucille was a loving wife to Lonnie Thomas Wooley and a devoted mother to Tommy Wooley and Cindy Wooley Bryan. She was also a proud grandmother to Adam Bryan and Raymond Wooley, whom she loved dearly.

Those who knew Lucile will remember her as a strong but gentle woman with a caring heart and a welcoming spirit. She had a way of making people feel loved, valued, and at home in her presence. Her warmth, generosity, and quiet strength touched countless lives and left lasting memories for family, friends, neighbors, and church family alike.

She is survived by her husband, Lonnie Thomas Wooley; her children, Tommy Wooley (Debbie Wooley) and Cindy Wooley Bryan; her grandchildren, Adam Bryan (Peyton Bryan) and Raymond Wooley; her sister, Sue Embry (Ray Embry); her brother, MJ (Brother) Porter Jr. (Kathy Porter); and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Though her family grieves her passing deeply, they find peace and comfort in knowing she is now resting in the presence of her Savior.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Highland Baptist Church.

Daniel Kirkwood Fordice, III departed this life on May 12, 2026, at the age of 66.Dan was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana...
05/15/2026

Daniel Kirkwood Fordice, III departed this life on May 12, 2026, at the age of 66.

Dan was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on April 20, 1960, to his parents Daniel Kirkwood Fordice, Jr. and Patricia Louise Owens. A 1978 graduate of St. Aloysius High School, and a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Construction Engineering Technology, Dan was commissioned as a US Army Second Lieutenant on active duty and later joined the Mississippi Army National Guard, serving for a total of 13 years. He spent half of his military career as an Engineer and the other half serving in the 2nd 20th Special Forces Unit having attained the rank of Captain.

In 2023, Dan retired as Vice President of his family’s fourth generation Fordice Construction Co. A natural leader, Dan served as the only second-generation National President in the history of the Associated General Contractors of America from 2022-2023, which speaks to how much he valued continuing family legacy and building community. He inspired a sense of adventure and fidelity in his family and chosen family, bringing everyone together anywhere from skiing the slopes to diving the depths of the ocean, completing every experience by inviting everyone to his table, cooking a meal, and leading all in prayer.

On the National Board of Directors of the Commemorative Air Force, he shared his love of history, planes, and honoring veterans with an international community. He was honored to fly the lead, original C-47 bomber “That’s All Brother” for the transatlantic route on the 75th anniversary of D-Day. He was an active pilot with over 5,000 hours, primarily flying WWII and older aircraft. Beyond the joy he took in flight, his love for aviation was rooted in a deep reverence and love for honoring those who flew these planes to protect our greatest freedoms. Out of this mission, Dan became the founder of two nonprofit foundations, Southern Heritage Air Foundation and Warrior Bonfire Program. A gifted storyteller, many favorite tales came out of the days he spent encouraging, serving, and laughing with the extended family he formed through these organizations. Known for his love of leading prayer in community, Dan was a faithful and active member of St. Paul Catholic Church, having served on the Parish Council and as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ann Claire Roesch Fordice and his three children, Nathan Fordice (Sara) of St. Francisville, LA; Alaina Fordice of Edgewater, MD; and Erin Fordice of Springdale, AR; his two grandchildren, Mary Claire Barton and John Fisher Barton; his sister, Angie Jordan (Bob); his brothers, Hunter Fordice (Sallie), and Dr. Jim Fordice (Sarina) and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, May 18th, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Tuesday, May 19th, at 10:30 am. at St. Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Rusty Vincent officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of Fisher-Riles Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Tim Day, Bill Fulcher, Paul Banchetti, Todd Roberts, Stephen Gambrell, Mike Foss, Allen Brewer, and Duke DeLuca. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Fordham, Steve Gustafson, Rickey Palermo, Mike Ginter, Larry Lumpkin, Jeff Cornell, Don Neiters, Tommy Lofton, Ben Cook, Jeff Shoaf, Mike Mayeaux, Bruce Odom, Mike Mekus, and Michael Reidy.

The family is deeply grateful for any donations, especially to the Warrior Bonfire Program and the Southern Heritage Air Foundation Veteran Support Program.

"Some men go out quietly; others go out to the sound of a Merlin."

Elizabeth “Beth” Pittman Hall of Vicksburg passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at the age of 77.Born on February 25, ...
05/11/2026

Elizabeth “Beth” Pittman Hall of Vicksburg passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at the age of 77.

Born on February 25, 1949, to Charles Pittman, Sr. and Melba Sharp Pittman, Beth was raised in Jackson,MS. She graduated from Forest Hill High School and later attended Draughon College.

Beth devoted many years of her career to Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush Law Firm, where she served as a senior business manager. Known for her dedication, integrity, and gentle spirit, she was a valued employee and was honored with a longevity award in recognition of her faithful service and lasting impact on those she worked alongside.

While Beth was accomplished professionally, her greatest joy in life was her family. She was deeply devoted to her son, Alexander James Sampley, whom she lovingly considered her greatest accomplishment. In March of 1994, she married the love of her life, Errol Keith Hall, and together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and family.

Beth was a faithful member of Highland Baptist Church, where she cherished her ladies’ Sunday School class and the friendships she found there. She loved spending time with family, sharing laughter and stories during visits, and exploring beautiful garden grove sites that brought her peace and happiness.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Errol Keith Hall; her son, Alexander James Sampley and wife Ashley Sampley; her brother, Charlie Pittman and wife Pam Pittman; her stepdaughter, Tara Hall Usey and husband Darby James Usey; grandchildren Tripp, Torrie and Lexie Usey; her stepson, Clinton Keith Hall; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Pittman, Sr.; her mother, Melba Sharp Pittman; and her sister, Jean Pittman.

A funeral service honoring Beth’s life will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Ave. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the hour of service. Burial services will follow at the family gravesite behind Gatesville Baptist Church in Crystal Springs.

Beth’s life was a beautiful reflection of love, faith, devotion, and grace. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Vincent James Corulla, Sr., age 83, passed away at his home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on May 6, 2026. He was born in Ne...
05/09/2026

Vincent James Corulla, Sr., age 83, passed away at his home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on May 6, 2026. He was born in New York, New York on April 6, 1943, He lived in Louisiana most of his adult life and moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi where he met and married Pam Pownall.

He had been an avid runner and golfer and later years enjoyed playing his guitars. After retirement, he and his wife, Pam, entertained many in Vicksburg with their karaoke business. He was a member of the Elks Lodge. He and Pam loved taking bags of goodies to the Veterans home in Jackson.

Jim was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Vicksburg. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth See; wife, Pam; son, William James Corulla; his brothers, Carl Miller, Jr., Ronnie Miller, Joey Miller, Jerry Miller and sister Margaret Matthews.

He is survived by his son Vince Corulla (Mollie) of Madison MS., daughter Tori Kivett (Robbie) of Tallulah, LA., step-daughter Lauren Meier (Scott) of Collierville, TN, and step-son Ron Pownall, Jr. (Jennifer) of Vicksburg MS, grandchildren Hunter Sullivan, Evelyn Kivett, Chandler Meier, Garrett Meier, Cooper Meier, Hope Pownall and Holt Pownall, Brother in law Billy Foster (Peggy).

Visitation is on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Ave. in Vicksburg, MS. from 9 AM to 10:00 AM. The funeral Mass will follow at St. Michael Catholic Church at 10:30 AM with interment at Green Lawn Gardens Cemetery.

He will be laid to rest in Vicksburg beside his beloved wife, Pam. Pallbearers will be Vince Corulla, Ron Pownall, Gary Cheshic, Holt Pownall, Robbie Kivett, Stuart Thomas, and Scott Meier.

In lieu of flowers the family is politely requesting that donations be made to the Vicksburg-Warren Humane Society.

Address

Vicksburg, MS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+16016290000

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