Jimmy Clyde Flake, 73
July 6, 1952 – October 14, 2025
Jimmy Clyde Flake, age 73, departed his walk with this earthly world and entered into his Heavenly Home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth, Mississippi.
Funeral services honoring Mr. Jimmy’s life will be at 1 PM Friday, October 17, 2025, at Oak Grove Independent Methodist Church in Pocahontas, Tennessee, with Bro. Terrell Gatewood, Bro. Ron Norvell, and Bro. Joe Spencer officiating. Visitation will be Thursday evening, October 16, 2025, from 5 PM until 9 PM, and will continue Friday from 11 AM until service time at the church. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, and there will be no formal graveside service.
Born on July 6, 1952, in Corinth, Mississippi, Jimmy was the son of the late Clyde and Mary Jones Flake. He attended school at the old Pocahontas School, before graduating from Middleton High School, and later attended Memphis State University. In his younger years, he worked with Biltrite Corporation before finding his lifelong career as an insurance salesman, where his easy-going charm and genuine concern for others made him well-suited to the profession.
On March 10, 1972, Jimmy married the love of his life, Mrs. Diane Ragan Flake, and for over five decades, their marriage stood as a beautiful example of steadfast devotion and partnership. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and the kind of memories that linger sweetly in the hearts of all who shared life with them. Their love story was one rooted in faith and family, strengthened by years of shared joys, simple adventures, and an unshakeable bond.
After retirement, Jimmy found joy in what he liked to call “wheeling and dealing.” Whether it was something that caught his eye, or some unexpected treasure, he had a knack for spotting a good deal. His favorite pastime was scouring online auctions or marketplace listings, negotiating with a grin, and proudly showing off his finds. In more recent years, his latest fascination was with mini excavators, though truth be told, there wasn’t much Jimmy wouldn’t buy or sell if there was a good story to tell, a couple dollars to be made, and a little fun in it.
A devoted Christian and faithful member of Oak Grove Independent Methodist Church, Mr. Jimmy possessed a true servant’s heart. He was a fixture at the church — often the first to arrive, making sure the coffee was brewed, lights were on, and everything was ready for worship. He could always be counted on to lend a helping hand, whether maintaining the cemetery, assisting with repairs, or supporting church projects. His quiet acts of service were never for recognition, but always for the joy of serving the Lord and his church family.
When he wasn’t helping others or conducting a new business deal, Jimmy could often be found fishing, planning the next family vacation, or enjoying a good ballgame, cheering for Memphis State, and only from his recliner. While he found joy in other activates, music was his truest passion. Whether picking his guitar, singing with friends, or simply humming a tune at home, music was the soundtrack of his life — a reflection of his joy and his deep love for the Lord.
While Mr. Jimmy was a man of many interests, his greatest pride and joy was his family. He wore the title “Papaw” like a badge of honor. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he never missed a chance to brag about them. He often said, with that signature grin, that his grandsons “got their looks from him” and that his granddaughters were “the prettiest girls in the world.” His love for his family was constant and unconditional — the kind of love that will be felt and remembered for generations.
Mr. Jimmy will be remembered as a man of faith, laughter, and kindness — a husband devoted to his wife, a father who led by quiet example, and a Papaw whose stories and smiles made every gathering brighter. His life was one well-lived, his love was steadfast, and his legacy is one of service, joy, and devotion to the Lord and those he loved most.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” — Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
In addition to his wife of fifty-three years, Mrs. Diane, memories will continue to be cherished by one daughter, Shannon Colucci (Chris), two sons, Sean Johnson (Penny), and Scotty Flake, three sisters, Dianne Flake, Donna Ramsey (J. M.), and Dana Doyle (Jerry), one brother, Larry Flake (Cindy), six grandchildren, Caitlin Bain (Trae), Dylan Colucci, Landon Colucci, Hannah Lister (Hunter), Cheyanne Johnson, and Eric Johnson, one great granddaughter, Parker Anne Bain, and host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Jimmy was also preceded in death by one sister, Julia Richardson.
Donations can be directed to the Oak Grove Independent Methodist Church Cemetery Fund in memory of Mr. Jimmy.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. Jimmy’s family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Thursday, October 16, 2025
5 PM – 9 PM
Oak Grove Independent Methodist Church
Pocahontas, Tennessee
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Visitation
Friday, October 17, 2025
11 AM – 1PM
Oak Grove Independent Methodist Church
Pocahontas, Tennessee
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Funeral Service
Friday, October 17, 2025
1 PM
Oak Grove Independent Methodist Church
Pocahontas, Tennessee
