A.J. Runnels, 89, of Magee, Mississippi

A.J. Runnels, 89, of Magee, MS, went to be with Jesus on July 20, 2026. He was born to Barney and Emmerine Runnels on February 25, 1937. He married the love of his life, Lillie Mae Higgins, on February 11, 1956. He was a devoted husband and father; most of all, he was a faithful servant to the Lord. They had two children, Tammy and Michael Jay. He was a lifelong resident of Simpson County and retired from Magnea Tec.

On July 21, 1968, he became a deacon at Beulah Baptist Church in Magee, serving for many years before moving to Shiloh Baptist Church in Magee, where he also served as a deacon and song leader for many years. He enjoyed the simple things in life, such as working in the church yard and his own yard. He always looked forward to church homecomings.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Magee. Visitation will also be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Shiloh Baptist Church in Magee, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow in the Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery. Brother Gary Roberts will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (601-849-5031).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie Mae; his son, Michael Jay Runnels; his parents, Barney Runnels and Emmerine Kennedy; his brothers, James, Junior, and L.D. Runnels; his sisters, Jeanette Crain, Vernall Craft, Erma Dean Walker, and Helen Luckey; and an infant.

Survivors include his loving daughter, Tammy Runnels Pierce (David Lvey); his brother, Billy Joe Runnels; his brother-in-law, Gary Amason; his sister-in-law, Lois Taylor; and a host of nieces and nephews. To the children, he was known as “Papaw AJ.”

Pallbearers will be David Allen Stewart, Joesph Lovelace, Adam Henderson, Kenneth Runnels, and Gary Roberts.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com