Richard Cummins

Richard Ancle Cummins, 80, ("Wudder" to his siblings) of Dockery, peacefully passed at Cleveland Nursing and Rehab, Saturday, September 3, 2011.
Mr. Cummins was born, December 5, 1930, in Sunflower County to Richard Willis "Pete" and Mary Lee Clark Cummins. He grew up in and was educated in Drew. He married his high school sweetheart, Arvetta Parker, December 23, 1951. They were married for 59 wonderful, loving and devoted years. He was a longtime member of Drew Baptist Church, serving as deacon and Sunday School Secretary over the years. His children claim they were always the first ones at the church because their dad had the key. A devoted father to his 5 children, he followed each of them throughout their athletic endeavors. He was also well known for the vocal harassment of many officials and umpires.
The majority of his work life was spent in the farming industry. He rented and managed Dockery Farms moving his family 'to the country' in 1970. He served as 1st Sergeant in the Mississippi Army National Guard from which he retired. He instilled a very strong work ethic in his children, leading by example. Many times during planting and harvest seasons he would work from sun up to midnight. He continued working as a crop insurance adjuster until the age of 72. Richard was known for his generosity not only with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but with anyone with a want or need.
Mr. Cummins is survived by his wife, Arvetta Parker Cummins of Ruleville (Walter Crook Nursing Facility), daughter-in-law, Kathy Willingham Cummins of Ruleville, son, Allen "Butch" Cummins and wife Deonna of Drew, MS, daughter Sandra Cummins and Lori Good of Houston, TX, and daughter Delia Cummins of Cleveland, MS. Grandchildren: Allen Cummins of Sardis, MS, Jade Cummins of Starkville, MS, Andy and Karen Cummins of Pope, MS, Kelly and Bryant Latham of Nashville, TN, Beau and Jacklyn Cummins of Petal, MS, Matt and Jennifer Cummins of Rena Lara, MS, and Michelle Parish of Houston, TX. Great-Grandchildren: Ali, Tristan, Heartly, and Kaylyn. His legacy continues (one on the way).
Siblings: Billy Cummins (Helen) of Drew, MS, Celeste Rhymes (J.C.) of Hazelhurst, MS, Jonathan Cummins (Margaret) of Pearl, MS, Lydia Pruitt (Aaron-deceased) of Sheridan, AR, Gladwin Cummins (Ibby) of Indianola, MS, Ankie Cummins (Stella) of Cleveland, MS, David Cummins (Dorothy) of Madison, MS, and Henry Cummins (Becky) of Drew, MS. And a host of nieces and nephews that loved him.
Predeceased by a son, Richard "Buster" (1952-2010), a son, Jackie Joe (1955-2005), a daughter, Shelia Elaine (1958) , and brothers Chuck Cummins (Nell) and Bobby Joe Cummins (Margot)
Visitation will be Monday, September 5, 2011, at Ray Funeral Home, Cleveland, MS, 6-8pm.
Celebration of Life Service, Drew Baptist Church, will be Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at 11am with Reverend Bob Lynch officiating.
Interment following at Drew Cemetery.
Pallbearers are grandsons, Allen Cummins, Andy Cummins, Beau Cummins, Matt Cummins, Bryant Latham, and Tristan Cummins.

First Visitation

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday, September 5, 2011
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Service Information

11:00 am Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Drew Baptist Church 139 S. Church Street Drew, Mississippi, United States

Interment Information

Drew Cemetery Main Street N.E. Drew, Mississippi, United States