Jimmy Malone, 78

August 21, 1947  – December 20, 2025

Tupelo- James Mitchell “Jimmy” Malone crossed over to the other side on December 20, 2025, from NMMC in Tupelo after a brief illness. Jimmy was 78 years old. Born to “Little” Joe Malone and Frances Anderson Malone Black, legendary owners of legendary Clover Leaf Drive Inn from bygone days, on August 21, 1947, Jimmy was a lifelong Lee County resident. He graduated in 1965 from Tupelo High School, where he was known to his friends and fellow classmates as “Tweety Bird”, later shortened to “Bird” or “Birdman”. He was a loving and dedicated father who deeply cherished his family.

A service celebrating his life for friends and family will be held at 1 PM Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 from the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Bro. Tommy Winders officiating. Visitation will begin at 11 AM on Saturday only at the Funeral Home. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Livestreaming at 1 PM, and will be archived thereafter.

Jimmy leaves behind 4 children, 4 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter; Melissa “Missy” Lynn Malone Jenkins (Don) of Greers Ferry, Arkansas, Lori Mitchell Malone Wylie (Kevin) and daughter, Mary Grace Wylie (Wheeler) of Booneville, James Mitchell “Mitch” Malone, Jr. and children, Maverick Joe and Maci Annalynn and Joshua Matthew “Matt” Malone and son, Micah Matthew Malone all of Tupelo; a beloved great –granddaughter, Elizabeth “Libby” Charlton Wylie.

He also leaves two brothers, Al Black (Rhonda) of Tupelo and Bro. Andy Black (Deneda) of Fulton; along with several nieces and nephews, two very special friends, Sandra Kay Stanley and her daughter, Savannah McCarter of the Brewer Community.

He was preceded in death by his father, Little Joe Malone in October 1972; his loving mother, Frances Anderson Malone Black in December 2019, his stepfather, Paul Black, owner of Black’s Harley-Davidson Motorcycle in December 1986; his sister, Patsy Malone Grissom in December 2020 and his brother, Gary Joe Malone in August 2022.

Jimmy would like for all friends-especially the Hardee’s Prayer Group-to remember and celebrate the good times they shared. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Jimmy was a tissue and organ donor, giving the gift of life to others. Holland Funeral Directors are honored to be serving their friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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