Robert Franklin Churchwell

Robert Franklin Churchwell, 81 passed away in Brandon, MS after a lengthy illness. Robert was born in Starkville, MS to Oscar and Annie Churchwell on September 17, 1940. He was the 2nd child, having an older sister, Anne. The family moved to Louisville, MS in 1941, where his father was a mechanic in town. He always cherished his time in Louisville and considered it his “home.” He graduated Louisville High School in 1958. He attended college at Mississippi State University and East Central Junior College before moving to Jackson, MS in 1961. While in Jackson, he met and married, Shirley Bowman of Bentonia, MS on April 20, 1962. His early career afforded them the opportunity to live in several places early in their marriage such as New Orleans, LA, Pensacola, FL and Mobile AL. While in New Orleans they had their first child, Angie in 1967. Later they would move back to Jackson and have a son, Jason in 1971. Robert and Shirley raised their two children in Jackson, rarely missing a yearly vacation. They all have fond memories and were blessed to travel throughout the southeast, also making several trips to see family in Ohio.

Robert always worked up to the time of his illness. He took the professional name of “Bob” and spent many years as a wholesale salesman for floor covering in the Jackson area. He enjoyed his time meeting with his customers and considered all close friends. He would later become a business owner. However, his proudest accomplishment was his service to the United States Military. He entered military service by enlisting in the Mississippi National Guard in Louisville, MS on March 30, 1957 as a member of the famous 31st Infantry Division, better known as the “Dixie Division.” After serving for 11 years in the Guard, he had assignments with United States Army Reserves until his retirement and honorable discharge 2000. He had a very accomplished career, rising to Command Sergeant Major in 1984 and kept that rank until his retirement. His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. He had great love and patriotism for the United States and was influenced by his father having served in WWI and numerous cousins serving in WWII. He was very loyal to his Churchwell family and made great efforts to attend many family reunions in Green County throughout the years.

Robert was blessed with 4 grandchildren and loved them all dearly.

Robert is survived by his wife, Shirley Bowman Churchwell, Daughter, Angela Churchwell Buckley of Madison, MS; Son, Jason Robert Churchwell (Kendell) of Brandon, MS; and grandchildren, Ross Buckley (Shelby) of Vicksburg, MS; Trey Buckley of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; Summer Churchwell and Preston Churchwell of Brandon, MS; Sister, Elizabeth Anne Burton of Cantonment, FL;

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Annie Churchwell, and Son-in-Law, Chuck Buckley.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 beginning at 9:00am at Central Holmes Cemetery on Dover Road in Bentonia, MS.

Memorial may be made to Children’s of Mississippi Hospital in Jackson, MS.