DeVan Dallas

March 4, 1926 – November 4, 2016

A former State Representative with a deep love and commitment to his county, state, and country, described so often as “truly one of a kind,” will be remembered for his very distinctive laugh, talent for telling stories, and his love for friends of all ages.

DeVan Dallas, 90, of Pontotoc passed away peacefully on November 4th in his home with Ellouise Boyd Dallas, his sweet wife of 69 years by his side. He was born March 4, 1926 to Lorene Lauderdale Dallas and J.M. Dallas. He was predeceased by his brothers, J.M. Dallas and Paul Dallas, and his sister, Sara Dallas Ishee.

DeVan was a lifetime resident of Pontotoc County, attending Troy Grammar School and Pontotoc High School. From 1944 to 1946 he served a tour of duty with the US Navy in the Agean War Zone, China, Korea, Guam and Pearl Harbor.

Upon returning home, he worked in the R.L. Ray Dry Goods store for several years, then served as principal Dealer at Boyd Motor and Implement Company (International Harvester, Pontiac, American Motor, Jeep). For many years he served on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi New Car Dealership.

DeVan was most proud of his time serving the people of Pontotoc County for 12 years in the Mississippi House of Representatives, from 1964 – 1976. He commented often of the honor bestowed on him by the people who elected him to serve in this capacity. At the end of his tenure, he continued his career working for the State of Mississippi at the Pontotoc Park Commission and Natchez Trace, as Alcohol Beverage Control Officer, and Special Agent with Mississippi Tax Commission. Following his retirement, he served as Bailiff for the Pontotoc County Court for 15 years. Always involved in civic affairs, he was a charter member of Jaycees, member of the Lions Club, Rotary Club, and Civitan Club. He was chairman of the American Heart Association and the March of Dimes and Board Member of the Pontotoc Development Association, former member of the VFW, American Legion, Forty and Eight, and First Baptist Church. Many PHS students and athletes remember his distinctive style announcing the Pontotoc Warriors football games.

His children are Dr. Diane Dallas Sauers (Jack) of Athens, AL, Pam Dallas of Pontotoc, and Sandy Dallas of Saltillo. Grandchildren & great-grandchildren - Cinda Dallas Browning Nicholson (Dan) of Hartselle, AL and their daughter, Piper; Preston Leathers (Kala) of Iuka and their daughters, Presley and Emi and anticipating the arrival of his great-grandson in March; and Melissa Boyd McAnally (Jason) of Nashville, TN and their daughter, Ella.

His special friends are Geneva Griffin, Annie Pearl Brown, Consquilla Morris-Satterwhite, and Irma Satterwhite.

A celebration of DeVan’s life will be held at First Baptist Church in Pontotoc on Sunday, November 6th at 3pm with Reverend Doug Jones and Dr. Ken Hester officiating with special words by Judge Jimmy Roberts. Interment will follow in the Pontotoc City Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday, from 5-7pm at the funeral home and at First Baptist Church on Sunday from 2pm until service time at 3:00pm. Pallbearers are Jody Stringer, Randy Roberts, Dickie Austin, Leo Mask, Billy Harrison, Early McKinney. Honorary Pallbearers are Billy Montgomery, Tommy Brooks, Judge Fred Wicker, Buddy Montgomery, Larry Russell, Reggie Collums, Larry Young, Tracy Robinson, Charles Thomas, Merle Williams, Ed Perry, Gene Dallas, Ray Stark, David Hall, and Ann Huddleston Peeples, and Pontotoc County Clerks personnel.

Browning Funeral Home of Pontotoc is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences may be offered at www.browningpontotoc.com