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George Thomas “Tommy” Everett, III was born on June 7, 1927, in D’Lo, MS, the son of George Thomas Everett, Jr. and Thelma Cassibry Everett. His family moved to Magee in 1934. After graduating from Magee High School in 1945, Tommy joined the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS West Point. After discharge from the Navy, he attended Mississippi State University, graduating in 1950 with a degree in business.
After graduating from State, Tommy returned to Magee and married his childhood sweetheart, Willie Grace Horn. He joined the family business, Magee Auto Supply, which would later become Napa Auto Parts. In addition, Tommy joined the Magee Volunteer Fire Department in 1950 and served as an active member until 1998. He was the longest serving member in the history of the fire department, which he led as chief from 1978-1998. He and his wife had two children, Susan Everett Yates and John Thomas Everett.
Tommy was an active member of First Baptist Church of Magee, where he served as deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was also active in the community as a member of the Touchdown Club, Lions Club, Civic Club, Chamber of Commerce and the Simpson County 911 Commission. Tommy was named Magee’s Citizen of the Year twice. He also served on the boards of the MS Automotive Association, William Carey College, the MS Firechiefs Association and the MS Firefighters Association and was a lifetime member of the American Legion.
Tommy earned the distinction of National Alumnus of the Year at Mississippi State in 2013. He served as treasurer of the national board of directors of the alumni association from 1979-1992, as well as 1973 national president of the association.
Everett was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Grace Horn Everett, and infant son, Steven George Everett. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Everett Yates (Buddy) of Flowood, MS; son, John T. Everett of Magee, MS; grandsons, Spencer Everett Yates (Brittany) of Madison, MS, and Houston Everett of Magee, MS; and his sister-in-law, Mrs. Jean Horn Ross of Pelahatchie, MS.
Visitation will be held at Colonial Chapel in Magee, MS, Saturday, January 9 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Magee, MS, Sunday, January 10 at 2:00 p.m. with interment at Magee City Cemetery.
Magee was a better community because of the influence of Tommy Everett. He stood tall for all the things in which he believed. My life was blessed by knowing him as a child and young person. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loving family. Jane Mangum Hederman