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Ralph Breazeale

Over time, the Pearl River Woodcarvers have lost some dear friends and members. Among those, Ralph Whitman Breazeale, 81, passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2008. Mr. Breazeale was born August 15, 1926 in Sunflower County, MS. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and retired from the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol in 1981 after 26.5 years of service. He was a long and faithful member of the Pearl River Woodcarvers Guild, Gideons International, and in World Changers and the Southern Baptist Convention Emergency Response Teams, including 9/11 efforts in New York City. Mr. Breazeale also served on numerous mission trips to Mexico and Honduras and was a member and Deacon at First Baptist Church Terry. Among his fellow woodcarvers, Mr. Breazeale will be remembered as a warm and friendly person who made the world a better place.

Jerry Rees

On September 7, 2007, Pearl River Woodcarvers lost a dear friend and faithful member. Jerry Rees went home to be with the Lord after a brief hospital stay. Jerry had several health difficulties, including diabetes, and often came to meetings in spite of not feeling well. Jerry wasn't a man who complained, so because of his pleasant demeanor, unless one asked, one wouldn't know what he was going through.

Besides the support of his presence at the meetings, Jerry was willing to haul the club vacuum cleaner back and forth, encourage new carvers, and serve as an officer (vice president). He did a marvelous job as annual show chair, teacher of beginner carving classes and soap-carving teacher. Pearl River Woodcarvers sent Jerry's wife, Lelar, a fall wreath which is appropriate to be hung on a door. Joe Hunt, George Berry, Don Butkus, James Buie and Danny Fultz attended the visitation and Harry Barkley and Danny attended the funeral to provide support. We will miss Jerry tremendously.