JW Channell
JW “Buddy” Channell, 86, passed away peacefully and went home to be with our Lord and savior on June 21, 2026.
He was born on Nov. 8, 1939, to Johnnie W. and Febie L. Breeden Channell in Hazlehurst. He lived a full life and touched the lives of many through his welding abilities and love of fishing and hunting.
Buddy was a general manager and welder with LeTourneau Inc. before moving to Grand Gulf Nuclear Station and retiring in 1995. Although he is well known for his welding skills, his hunting and fishing knowledge is what he lived for most in life. Countless times people have come to him for advice and guidance on where and how to fish, and he didn’t mind sharing he was the best fisherman around.
Everyone knew if they ever needed a helping hand, he would be the one they could count on, whether it was catching wild hogs, welding a boat, or fixing a roof. Even after he was in a wheelchair, he gladly offered his skills as a “supervisor.”
Buddy loved his grandchildren, as well as others, and loved showing them how to hand grab and think outside the box. He has undoubtedly left a lot of useful knowledge with all of us, that will be cherished for a lifetime.
JW was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Febie Channell; his daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Macaluso; and his siblings, Bobbie Nell (Charles) Lott, James Elbert, Henry Fred, Edwin Earl “Little Buddy” Channell.
He leaves behind a loving family who will forever treasure his memory, including his daughters, Debra K. (Jimmy) Cox and Angela Channell; seven cherished grandchildren, Jeffrey L. Gillis, Ashley N. Macaluso, Michael A. (Brooke) Macaluso, Jennifer Jordan, Brittany Cox, Haley E. Sims, and Trace Holderfield; 15 great-grandchildren, Makayla Hudson, Gage, Gavin, Camden, and Jadyn Gillis, Cadence and Vinnie Webber, Gino Macaluso, Cloey, Autumn, Madison and Gracie Macaluso, Katelynn and Emma Jordan, and Beckham Brown; three great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Bertie Mae Brown.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 26, at Stringer Family Funeral Home in Crystal Springs and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, at Pine Bluff Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Pine Bluff Cemetery.
