Thomas Mack Waldrup | Obituaries

 Born on Nov. 19, 1941, in Louin, Thomas Mack “Tim” Waldrup went to be with his Lord and Savior on Jan. 31, 2024. 

He graduated from Bay Springs High School, where he wasactive in the athletic department. Waldrup then attended Jones County Junior College and transferred to Mississippi State University to major in forestry. During the summers, he fought brush fires in California and worked on the pipeline throughout the United States to earn his college funds. This turned his attention away from forestry and toward education. Waldrup received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Delta State University and furthered his professional development at the University of Southern Mississippi. During this time in his life, he met a Mississippi Delta girl, Patricia Jones, who also turned into his wife of 54 years. Waldrup was an active member at First BaptistChurch of Ellisville for 47 years and, more recently, First Baptist Church of Laurel for the remainder of his life.

During the early years of his career, Waldrup taught at Bay St. Louis and Ruleville High School, but landed in his dream location at Jones County Junior College. He spent 34 years at Jones, climbing the ladder from dean of men to vice president of Student Affairs, where he dedicated his time and energy to shaping the lives of countless students. Connecting with thousands of students, professional friends and lifelong friends, Waldrup brought recruiting at Jones to a new level with higher enrollment numbers tailored to fostering personal growth and development. Waldrup understood that education was not confined to the classroom; it extended to the very essence of one’s being.

After retiring from Jones, Waldrup was elected mayor of Ellisville, becoming a public servant to his community. In this capacity, he continuously embodied unwavering dedication to the people of Ellisville. Serving 16 years as mayor allowed him to become president of the Mississippi Municipal League, thus improving his relationships and network and improving infrastructure and the quality of lifefor residents. In 2017, Waldrup finally retired after 50 years of public service, only to be bombarded by serious health issues until he succumbed to his complications.

Waldrup’s influence extended beyond his professional accomplishments. He was a loving husband, a devoted father and a doting grandfather. His family was his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Waldrup’s wisdom, guidance and unconditional love will continue to resonate through the generations, leaving an indelible mark on his family’s lives.

 Waldrup was preceded in death by his parents Frank Green and Ruby Irene Waldrup; and his sisters Patricia McAlpin and Fern Barefoot. 

Tim is survived by his wife Patricia; his daughter Missie Lee Meeks (Bobby); his grandsons Kaleb Robert Meeks and Dylan Thomas Meeks (Madeline); his sister-in-law Donna Jones; his nephews Donald Ray Barefoot, Kyle Barefoot, Terry Barefoot and John Gentry; his nieces Sherry Barefoot Carr and Connie Crosby Rambin.

Visitation will be at First Baptist Church of Laurel on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. The service will take place in the sanctuary at 2:30 p.m. A private family burial service will follow.

 Pallbearers will be grandsons Kaleb Robert Meeks and Dylan Thomas Meeks, lifelong friend Robert Landrum, professional/close friend Dr. Ronald Whitehead, and nephews Donald Ray Barefootand John Gentry.

The Waldrup family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Tim Waldrup Leadership Scholarship at Jones College or the building fund at First Baptist Church of Laurel or First Baptist Church of Ellisville.

Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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