Norman Charles Mars, Jr.

SERVICES: TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 14, 20171:00 P.M.FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCHVISITATION: MONDAY,FEBRUARY 13, 20175:00 P.M. UNTIL 7:00 P.M.MCCLAIN-HAYSTUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017 8:00 A.M. UNTIL 12:30 P.M.MCCLAIN-HAYSINTERMENT: CEDARLAWN CEMETERYOFFICIATING:REV. CHRIS YOUNG Charles Mars passed into God’s loving presence in Madison, MS, Friday, February 10, 2017.  Charles enjoyed a full, rich life in Mississippi.  He was born in New Orleans, LA on February 8, 1925.  He was raised in Philadelphia, MS where he is a member of The First United Methodist Church, where he and his wife Sue Anne raised their four children. From working at his family’s Mars Bros. Wholesale Grocery, to becoming an entrepreneur, he believed in the value of good work.  Likewise, he believed in the value of pursuing your interests.  He piloted planes, played tennis, skied mountains, traveled the world and annually entertained his family and friends in Augusta, GA at the Masters Golf Tournament.  Respected for his leadership and sought for his wisdom, his gentle and generous ways remain an inspiration. A few of his lifetime achievements include being a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII, serving as President of the Neshoba County March of Dimes Foundation, President of the Philadelphia Rotary Club, being an active MSU Alumni, being a member of the Peoples Bank Board, winning the 2001 U.S. Senior Olympic Gold Medal in the Men’s Tennis Doubles, receiving the 2002 Neshoba County Citizen of the Year award, and being a 2003 recipient  of the Mississippi Ageless Hero award.  A beloved son, husband, daddy, granddaddy, great-granddaddy and cherished friend to many, he will be sorely missed.  He is predeceased by his wife of fifty-two years, Sue Anne Walker Mars, and his parents Norman and Margaret Coulson Mars.  He is survived by his four children:  Laura Lee Mars Richardson (Bill) of Brandon, MS, David Mars (Anne) of Madison, MS, Charlene Mars Blount of Easton, CT, Marilyn Mars Carter (John) of Newton, MS; by his six grandchildren:  Daniel Blount (Emily), Dustin Blount (Joie), Charlie Mars, Sam Mars (Wendy), Chad Mars and Anne Blount; and by his eight great-grandchildren.  Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. His family would like to thank the staff at St. Catherine’s Village for providing a lively community full of genuine understanding, care and love.  In lieu of flowers—in honor of his gratitude and love for his hometown and God’s blessings—donations may be made to:  Open Arms, Inc. of Neshoba County or The First United Methodist Church of Philadelphia. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Rea, Tony Engels, Jimmy Prince, Sonny Steel, Harold Lewis, Max Loper and Bill Dungan.