Pat Nunnelee

Pat Nunnelee

Pat Thomas Nunnelee, 88, one of the kindest individuals to ever live, was welcomed into heaven on Thursday evening, October 17, 2024. After a brief illness, Pat died at home, surrounded by his loving family. Pat was born on May 19, 1936; he is the son of Clarence R. “Dink” Nunnelee and Mary Liza “Jane” Scruggs Nunnelee. Pat grew up in the Endville community in a large farming family where they knew hard times, but they also knew great love. Pat’s closest friends growing up were his siblings. Pat accepted Christ as his personal savior as a young boy, and he walked uprightly in his faith all the days of his life. After graduating from Sherman High School, Pat moved immediately to Tupelo where he got a job at Doug’s Dairy Bar. This job played an important role in Pat’s future as this is where he first saw a beautiful blonde teenager named Sandra Deuschle, who later became his bride.

In addition to working at The Dairy Bar, Pat worked at DayBrite until he found his true professional calling in the insurance industry. After marrying that beautiful girl from Pittsburgh, and upon encouragement from his in-laws, Ed and Dodie Deuschle, Pat entered the life insurance business in 1959, working as a general agent for Life and Casualty Insurance Company in Booneville. In 1962, Pat was promoted to staff manager in Columbus and lived there with his growing family until 1974. At that time, Pat became a regional District Manager, and the Nunnelee family relocated to the Jackson/Clinton area. In 1977, Pat joined Mississippi Funeral Associates Insurance Company of Amory, serving as their Director of Sales. Over the years, Pat’s role in the company expanded as the company grew exponentially under his guidance. Pat eventually was named President of American Funeral Assurance Company and continued there until 1994. At that time, American Funeral was represented in nearly 30 states, and that significant growth and success was a direct result of Pat’s leadership, talent, and hard work. 

When most men would retire, in 1995, Pat, his son, Alan, and their friend and colleague, Teresa Snow, founded Allied Funeral Associates Insurance Company. Pat remained active in that role until his death, growing the company through both development and acquisitions. He was proud to focus on relationships and personal integrity, and he was respected beyond measure throughout the industry. In addition, Pat has taught Continuing Education classes for the Mississippi Insurance Department for over forty years, and he has served on the Mississippi Guaranty Association, served as Past President of Mississippi Association of Life Underwriters, and was selected their “Man of the Year” in 1977. Pat wholeheartedly loved the Insurance business and was an extraordinary ambassador for his entire career. He was an unapologetic salesman, known for saying “Nothing happens until somebody sells something!” His wish was to continue growing Allied built on the uncompromising principles he lived by for a lifetime. Pat’s signature gift of encouragement has motivated many other agents through the years, and his “footprint” of optimism and character can be found across our great country. Those fortunate enough to have encountered him are better people because of crossing paths with Pat Nunnelee.

Pat developed a love of public speaking and over the course of his career; he spoke over 2800 times in 23 states, including speaking at many churches, civic clubs, company conventions, and sales conferences. On one occasion he even filled in as a substitute for President George H.W. Bush! At every speaking opportunity, Pat not only motivated, encouraged, and entertained his audience; he boldly shared his Christian testimony.

Pat’s priorities and passions were his faith, his family, and his business. He was a devoted husband to Sandra for 67 years and 8 months, and their marriage exhibited true love and commitment through all seasons of life. They were married at Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo in 1957 and rejoined Calvary upon their relocation to Tupelo in 1977. The Nunnelee family has been active in churches wherever they lived, including Fairview Baptist in Columbus and Northside Baptist in Clinton. Pat has served tirelessly through the years as a Sunday school teacher, a Royal Ambassadors leader, a Training Union director, on pastor search committees, as well as other various committees in the church. Pat was intentional about supporting his pastor, missions, and his local church. He has been elected a deacon in each church, most recently being named Deacon Emeritus at Calvary in 2015. More than job titles, Pat had a real servant’s heart, frequently offering to quietly step up to do the jobs no one else wanted. His goal was to do his part to advance God’s kingdom, and he wanted to be the best example of Christianity that he could possibly be. He succeeded mightily in that role, his legacy is secure, and he will be sorely missed.

Pat will be remembered fondly for his authentic faith, his genuine kindness, his fierce love of family, and his extraordinary generosity.

Pat was survived by his adoring wife, Sandra, of over 67 years. She joined her husband, Pat, in heaven on Sunday evening October 20, 2024.

Pat is also survived by his six children, Lisa Nunnelee Talbott and her husband, Carl, of Tupelo; Dodie Nunnelee Givens and her husband, Scott, of Knoxville, Tennessee, Shannon Nunnelee Clinton and her husband, Jimmy, of Germantown, Tennessee, Ammi Nunnelee Gates and her husband, Brian, of Madison, Joshua Bryant Nunnelee and his wife, Danielle, of Ingram, Texas, and Matthew Tyler Nunnelee and his wife, Olivia, of Tupelo, and daughter-in-law, Tori Barber, of Brandon. Pat is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Reed Nunnelee (Kemily), Clarke R. Wise (Julia), Emily Thompson (Morris), Nathan Nunnelee (Colleen), Patrick Givens (Rebecca), Piper Givens, Peyton Givens (Chloe Beth), Mary Nielson Clinton, Lindley Clinton, Carly Talbott, John Paul Givens, Cece Clinton, Sarah Grace Clinton, Thomas Gates, and Laine Nunnelee. Pat is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Mary Anne Reese of Hartselle, Alabama, and Ellen Jetton and her husband, Jamie, of Belden; and one brother, Rev. Jim Nunnelee and his wife, Edith, of Grenada.

Pat was preceded in death by his beloved son, Alan Nunnelee; four brothers, Harold Nunnelee, Bill Nunnelee, Paul Nunnelee, and Jerry Nunnelee; parents, Dink and Jane Nunnelee; in-laws, Ed and Dodie Deuschle; and son-in-law, Randy Wise.

A joint visitation for Pat and Sandra will be 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday, October 27, 2024 at Pegues Funeral Directors, Tupelo. For friends unable to attend the family will also accept friends following their service Monday at the church.

A joint celebration of Pat’s and Sandra’s lives will be held 11 a.m. Monday October 28, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church with Dr. John Boler, Dr. Ed Deuschle, and Dr. Jim Nunnelee officiating. A private family graveside service was held at Lee Memorial Park. Pegues Funeral Directors is entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorials may be made in Pat’s memory and honor to Calvary Baptist Church, 501 West Main Street, Tupelo MS 38801, or Sanctuary Hospice, PO Box 2177, Tupelo MS 38803.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at PeguesFuneralHome.com.