John Westmoreland

Richmond - John Reed Westmoreland, 83, died Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at his home in the Richmond Community after an extended illness. A Lee County native, he was born November 21, 1925, to Robbie and Dorothy Westmoreland. He was married to Charlie Mae Umfress for over sixty years. He retired from the Navy and began a career in farming and raising cattle. He enjoyed gardening and sharing his bounty with family and friends. He was a member of the Lee County Cattlemen's Association. He was a member of Unity Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and treasurer for over 30 years.

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Unity Presbyterian Church with Dr. John Armistead and Rev. B. F. Lee officiating. Burial will be in Unity Cemetery. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Charlie Mae Westmoreland of the Richmond Community; two daughters, Jane Swanson (Reid) of Los Angeles and Judy Sellner (Craig) of Atlanta; his son, Rod Westmoreland (Kimberly) of Atlanta; four grandchildren, Ryan Swanson, Clair Sellner, Samantha and John Westmoreland; his sister, Dott Criss; his brother, Clarence Westmoreland (Erwin); and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary Keeling; and one brother, Victor Westmoreland.

Pallbearers will be Mike Rausch, Willie Schumpert, Richard Vandiver, John Allen Estes, Sam Hubbard, and Mac Reedy.

The body will lie in state at the church one hour prior to service time Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to Unity Presbyterian Cemetery Fund in care of Mac Reedy, 1998 S. Eason Blvd., Tupelo MS 38804.
Wednesday at the funeral home. The body will lie in state 1 p.m. until service time Thursday at the church.