William Joe Mangum, 87, of Magee, Mississippi

William Joe Mangum, 87, of Magee, Mississippi, passed away on October 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on November 26, 1937, in Magee to the late Kether V. and Mary Holyfield Mangum.

He graduated from Magee High School in 1958, where he excelled as an outstanding football player. Known as “Joe Jet,” he continued his education at Co-Lin Community College and Mississippi College, where he also played football. An avid outdoorsman, Joe found joy in hunting and fishing. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Magee, where his love for Jesus was evident in the way he lived and in the love he poured into his family. He also served his community faithfully as Alderman for the City of Magee for 16 years.

Known for his sense of humor, Joe always had a joke to tell and proudly considered himself a stand-up comedian. He gave each of his children and grandchildren their own special nickname, a reflection of the joy and laughter he brought into their lives.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Nan Polizzi Mangum; his children, Aylisa Jo Grubbs of Seminole, OK, Chuck Mangum (Tiffany) of Mendenhall, MS, Dennis Mangum (Claudia) of Byhalia, MS, Brad Rickels of Magee, MS, and Jenny Windham (Curt) of Bay Springs, MS; grandchildren, Madison Mangum, Dylan Mangum, Morgan Cook, Aubrey Cook, Cody Bruce, Mary Francis Mangum, Charlotte Mangum, Harrison Day, and Redding Day; as well as 10 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Alice Price-Caston (Dale) and Beverly Mangum Royals (Tom), as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Gloria Mangum Pope.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Magee at 11:00 a.m. The family

will receive visitors from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, with the funeral service immediately following. Interment will be held at Magee City Cemetery. Brother Buddy Keyes will officiate.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Morgan Cook, Aubrey Cook, Cody Bruce, Dylan Mangum, Harrison Day, and Redding Day.

Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his legacy of faith, laughter, and love will live on through his family and friends.