Wayburn Gardner Callicutt
Wayburn Gardner Callicutt, age 80, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Monday, June 25, 2018, at home in Oxford. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 28, at 2 o’clock at North Oxford Baptist Church in Oxford with Dr. Joe Lusby, Rev. Johnny Flynt and Dr. John Mahony officiating. Visitation will precede the service at 12 noon.
Wayburn was born on May 6, 1938, in Oxford to the late Edwin Warwick Callicutt and Nadine Gardner Callicutt. He grew up in Holly Springs, graduating in 1956 from Holly Springs High School. He continued his education at Northwest Mississippi Junior College, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss before going home to farm with his father in Marshall County. They raised cattle, cotton, soybeans, and corn. At his father’s death, Wayburn’s oldest son, Warren, stepped up to the plate and they continued farming “the home place” and other acreage together.
Wayburn was very active in the farming community all of his life, being voted Farmer of the Year at an early age. He was a member of the County ASC Committee, a Commissioner of the Marshall County Soil and Water Conservation, and a Director of the Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts (MACD), and he served in various other positions on numerous boards which promoted farming. His philosophy was, “I must be involved to help make sure action is taken for the farmer. I cannot sit back and let someone else do my job.”
Wayburn served Marshall County as District Five Supervisor for four years. Wayburn was one of the founding fathers of Marshall Academy in Holly Springs and served as a loyal board member for many years.
He loved his church and especially enjoyed his Sunday School classes both at First Baptist Church of Holly Springs and at North Oxford Baptist Church of Oxford.
He married his wife, Jane Warren Callicutt on March 3, 1961. He enjoyed traveling in the United States with Jane and spending time hunting and fishing with his boys, Warren and Andy, and friends.
Wayburn is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane; his sons: Warren and wife, Lynn, Andy and his wife, Emily; grandchildren: Zachary, Matthew, Hugh and Cate; brother: Edwin Callicutt of Holly Springs; several nieces and nephews, family members, and friends.
Although battling many diseases since 2003, Wayburn stood strong with his positive attitude and his love for his family, his friends, and his Lord and Savior Jesus. He found comfort and strength in Psalm 23:4.
In describing Wayburn, one of his doctors said, “He has taught me a lot about grace and dignity in the face of adversity - a true Southern gentleman.”
Memorial contributions may be made to North Oxford Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1700, Oxford, MS 38655, or First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 428, Holly Springs, MS 38635.
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