Mike Manning, 72
July 16, 1953 – July 27, 2025
Mike Manning, 72, passed away at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, TN, surrounded by loved ones and the incredibly caring medical staff.
Born in New Albany, MS, to R.V. and Jean Manning, Mike attended New Albany schools through 8th grade and completed high school at Myrtle Attendance Center, class of 1971. He went on to play baseball at Northeast Mississippi Community College before finishing his education at the University of Mississippi.
A faithful member of Harmony Baptist Church, Mike served in many roles throughout the years—including deacon, Sunday School teacher, committee member, and youth chaperone to countless events and camps. He also served on the Union County Board of Directors for the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation®.
Mike began his career as a computer operator at Futorian, worked at J.E. Love, and later retired from the U.S. Postal Service.
In his free time, Mike was a devoted husband to Mary Lois Beard Manning, his beloved wife of 50 years. They did everything together—traveling, camping, fishing, farming, and cheering on their children and grandchildren at countless ballgames. Their bond was one of deep love and friendship, impossible to fully capture in words.
Mike’s love for his family and friends was genuine and rare. He was known for his ever-present smile and kind heart. He never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a hand. His Christlike character shone through in every part of his life.
He had a passion for baseball, quail hunting, fishing, camping, history, and working with his bird dogs. But he was happiest on a tractor—especially when teaching his grandchildren to drive one. “Papaw” was their biggest cheerleader and constant source of fun. Whether they were working on the farm, jumping in soybeans, popping garden-fresh popcorn, feeding cows, fishing, getting a history lesson, or tossing balls in the yard—Papaw was ready.
Mike is survived by his wife, Mary Lois; his children, Marianne Manning Lancaster (Cory) and Ray Manning (Melonie); and his grandchildren, Mary Alden and Evie Lancaster, and Mason, Millie, Ezra, and Eden Manning. He is also survived by his sisters Rheta Street (Ronny) and Karen Callicutt (Jimmy); sisters-in-law Andrea Smith (Bob) and Cindy Beard; and nieces and nephews: Jennifer Childers (Chris), Jay and Christina Callicutt, Melanie Ford Beadles (Todd), Jonathan Smith, Daniel Smith (Sela), Jeremy Beard (Rachel), Cara Beard, and Alex Beard (Mille). Great-nieces and nephews include Noah Pickering, Natalie and Lawson Childers, and Hardy Ray Beard.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Malcolm and Effie Messer Manning and Jess and Edith Stanford Yarbrough; his parents, R.V. and Jean Yarbrough Manning; his in-laws, Roscoe and Lavelle Beard; his brother-in-law, Hardin Beard; and his sister-in-law, Joy Beard Ford.
The visitation will be Tuesday, July 29th, from 5pm-8pm at Harmony Baptist Church, New Albany, MS. Funeral service will also be held at Harmony, Wednesday, July 30th, at 3 pm with a visitation prior to service 1pm -2:30 pm.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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