Bro. Jimmy Townsend

Funeral services for Bro. Jimmy Townsend will be held Friday, October 22, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Rev. Larry Savell officiating. Burial will follow in the Fellowship Cemetery in Neshoba County. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 21, 2021, at McClain-Hays Funeral Home from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. McClain-Hays Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Bro. Townsend, 74, of Philadelphia, died Monday, October 18, 2021, at his home. Jimmy was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, but he loved the role of “papaw” the most. He was a member of gospel singing groups, “The Neighbors” and “The Gospel Light” prior to him being called to the ministry. His calling to the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ took his foremost attention. During his ministry he pastored three churches in the Philadelphia area, which were Fellowship Baptist Church, Highway 21 South; Center Hill Baptist Church, Golf Course Road; and Mount Olive Baptist Church in the Stephens Town Community. He learned to love each and every member and never questioned his calling to the ministry. Jimmy was devoted to the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department where he served as chief for a number of years; and served many years after this by doing whatever was needed. Jimmy left a legacy for his family and his friends, a legacy of Godliness, love, and compassion. Jimmy would say today the only thing that matters is “if you know Jesus as your personal savior”. Survivors include his wife, Glenda Townsend; daughter, Kasey Byrd (Chris Byrd); by love, marriage, and birth, grandchildren, Jonathan (Jessica) Townsend, Rein (Brittany) Townsend, Amber (Senett) Pinter, Audreyanna (Joseph) Grainger, Maddie Reynolds, Bella Reynolds, Madolyn Byrd, Joe Frank Byrd, Cody Byrd, Sadie Ann Byrd, and Mercy Grace Byrd; great-grandchildren, Sadiebeth Grainger, Ava Townsend, Anniston Townsend, Jessie-Lee Townsend, Timothy Pinter, Liam Grainger, and Lawson Grainger; sisters-in-law, Terri Garnett and Joan (Steve) Johnson. Preceding Bro. Jimmy in death were parents, Thomas and Thermer Lee Townsend; son, Tim Townsend; sisters, Frances Daniels and Charlotte Fleming; brother, Bill Townsend; son-in-law, Steve Moore; brothers-in-law, Cecil Fleming, Norris Daniels, and Charles Garnett. Pallbearers are Jonathan Townsend, Rein Townsend, Joe Frank Byrd, Matt Klobe, Gus Johnson, and Joseph Grainger. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to your local volunteer fire department, or your favorite charity.