Mr. Roger Gail Townsend, 87 of Jayess, MS passed away on April 29, 2019 in Perry, FL. Roger was born March 30, 1932 in Jayess, MS to Hilda Rutland Renke.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 3, 2019 from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Jayess Baptist Church in Jayess, MS. Funeral Service will follow visitation at 5:00 PM at the church. Graveside services will follow in the Providence Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. James Sanders and Bro. James Taylor will officiate the services, with Wilson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Roger honorably served our country in the United States Army during the Korean War stationed in Germany. Mr. Townsend was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Jayess Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years. Roger retired from St. Regis, which later became Georgia Pacific in Monticello, MS, and previously work for Kellwood in McComb, MS. He was also a business man owning and operating several types of businesses with his family. In 1959 Mr. Townsend received his certificate in Cabinet Making from Southwest Mississippi Junior College. In his spare time, Roger enjoyed collecting and refurbishing antiques of all kinds. He was a master wood worker, building and restoring a variety of treasures.

Roger was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Mrs. Dorothy Rayborn Townsend, and his Mother.

Mr. Townsend is survived by his daughters, Nancy Townsend Taylor (James) and Sophia Townsend Bratkovich (Vincent); 8 grandchildren, William Thomas, James Taylor, III, Emily Mitchell, Beth Clark, Lindsey Thomas, Clara Taylor, Tori Taylor, and Annie Bratkovich, as well as 6 great grandchildren; his brother in law Jerry Rayborn (Elaine) and his sister in law Linda Easley (Douglas), and a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorials can be given to his home church, Jayess Baptist.