Rufus Ellis Britt

Rufus Ellis Britt, 94, of Gassville, AR, and formerly of Blaine, MS, departed his earthly home on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, following a brief illness. Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018, at Ray Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will follow beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018, at Ray Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Rowlen officiating. Interment will be in Beulah Cemetery.
Mr. Britt was born on July 13, 1924, to Albert and Minnie Sue Britt in Hillhouse, MS. He was a WWII veteran who served in the Navy on the USS O'Toole as an electrician. He was a farmer by trade for his entire life until retirement at age of 82. Mr. Britt loved bass fishing, hunting with his entire family (especially squirrel hunting), and generally spending time with his family. He also enjoyed gardening, camping, taking trips, and sitting on the porch watching humming birds feed. Mr. Britt was a wonderful father, step-father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was of Baptist faith.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Minnie Britt; first wife, Helen Stubbs Britt; second wife, Frances "Billie" Britt; son, William Britt; step-son; James "Buck" Downs; step-daughters, Frances Horton and Alice Feretti; son-in-law, Jimmy Ellis; daughter-in-law, Sharon Britt; grandson, Cody Britt; granddaughter, Alyse Britt; step grandson son, Shannon Fike; six brothers; and four sisters.
Mr. Britt is survived by three daughters, Elaine Ellis of Winnsboro, LA, Gwen Moore (Charles) of Galena, MO, and Cheryl Britt Rone (J.R.) of Brandon, MS; two sons, Neal Britt of Hollandale, MS and Ronnie Britt (Melanie) of Gassville, AR; three step-daughters, Ann Pinion (Billy) of Indianola, MS, Jean Nelson of Madison, MS, and Diane Tingle of Pearl, MS; 9 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of step-grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and friends.
Pallbearers will be Michael Keathley, Chris Keathley, Kevin Ellis, Jimmy Branning, Paxton Branning, and Jimmy Orman. Honorary pallbearers will be Peyton William Rone, J.R. Rone, Charles Moore, Justin Keathley, Christian Keathley, and Jake Keathley.

Visitation

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Saturday, December 22, 2018
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Celebration of Life Service

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Saturday, December 22, 2018
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Interment

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Saturday, December 22, 2018
Beulah Cemetery Beulah Beulah, Mississippi, United States