Obituary of Jimmie Ray McCalla

Dr. Jimmie Ray McCalla, 74, went to be with his Lord on December 6, 2019. He was born on February 22, 1945 in Prentiss County, Mississippi. Dr. McCalla graduated from Rienzi High School in 1962. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1972 and obtained his Masters degree in 1973. He graduated with his Doctorate in Education and Administration from Mississippi State University in 1976. In 1975 he was elected into the Mississippi House of Representatives. His campaign slogan was – “Elect a Family Man with a Family Plan.” He served for one term and returned to his passion of education as the Superintendent of Richton Schools in Mississippi. His previous years in education were spent as a principal, teacher, and basketball coach. Prior to being an educator, Jimmie worked at Martin Oil in Chicago, Illinois. He was a buyer for men’s clothing and women’s shoes at Belk Hudson Department Store in Corinth, Mississippi as well as running a bread route for Hart’s Bakery in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. McCalla retired as a school superintendent in 1996. He and his wife, Barbra, then moved to Melbourne, Florida to be with their daughter, Michelle, who delivered a precious grandson, Jarrin, two weeks later. Followed by another precious grandson, Jaden in 2001. Dr. McCalla and Barbra were married in 1962. They would have been married for 58 beautiful years on March 17th. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbra. His children James (Jenny) McCalla, Michelle (Tony) McCalla and precious grandsons, Jarrin and Jaden. Siblings: Hershell (Betty) McCalla, Johnny (Mary) McCalla, Louise (Scott) Muir along with a lot of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is welcomed in Heaven by his parents, Victor and Juanita Mccalla. Dr. McCalla was ordained as a deacon at the young age of 27 at Glendale Baptist Church in Mississippi and continued to serve at Eau Gallie First Baptist where he was a member for 23 years. He was currently serving as the president of his Sunday School Class. He was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Grand York Rite Bodies of Mississippi, Grand Lodge of Mississippi, Knights Templar, Scottish Rite Freemasonary and the Shrines. Dr. McCalla’s hobbies were being with his family and friends, traveling, eating and watching Country Music Television. He wanted the best for his children and grandchildren. Dr. McCalla was a devoted Christian who loved his family and country very much! A celebration of Dr. McCalla’s life will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 4:30 P.M. at Eau Gallie First Baptist Church 1501 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne. A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 28th at Glendale Baptist Church, 2478 Highway 72 in Glen, Mississippi.