January 29, 2018, Dr. Charles Wesley Sappington Sr., 84, passed away peacefully in Zachary, LA. He was born in Pontotoc, MS on September 9, 1933. He graduated from Pontotoc High school and went to Mississippi State University graduating with his Bachelors in Dairy Science in 1955. While attending MSU, he was actively involved in ROTC and went into active military service following his graduation. While on active duty, he served overseas in Germany as First Lieutenant until 1957. He returned to the states serving approximately nine years in the U. S. Army reserves and Mississippi Army National Guard including four weeks of service during the crisis at the University of Mississippi as a result of the admission of James Meredith. He continued his education at MSU to gain his Masters in Sociology in 1967 later transferring to Florida State University where he received his doctorate in Adult Education in 1972. He returned to Starkville where he was actively involved with Mississippi State University. He began working with the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service in 1958 as an Assistant County Agent. After a variety of positions, he was promoted to State Leader, 4-H Youth Development in 1970 and retired from that role in 1989. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed their family and traveling to watch the Bulldogs.

Dr. Sappington loved art, photography and reading about World War II. He loved his church family and the Starkville community. He had a love for history and was involved in restoring the First Baptist Church chapel. Most people knew of him as a knowledgeable, professional man with a compassionate heart. Dr. Sappington was a family man who took great pride in taking care of his wife of over 60 years, his children and grandchildren.

Dr. Sappington is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Sappington Marler (husband, Brad Marler), and his grandchildren, Ashley Marie Marler, Bradley Robert Marler, Sarabeth Elaine Sappington and Jennifer Marie Sappington.

He is preceded in death by his parents Conard Richard Sappington and Bessie Jane Wilder Sappington, his wife, Joyce Marie Jones Sappington, and his son, Charles Wesley Sappington, Jr.

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Starkville, MS, with the celebration of his life immediately following in the church sanctuary. Burial will be in Oddfellows Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Children’s building at First Baptist Church, Starkville, MS or the Alzheimer’s Association, Mississippi Chapter.

The family would like to thank the special ladies that have helped care for him over the past several years. They would also like to thank Oakwood Village staff in Zachary, LA and Hospice of Baton Rouge for their genuine love and care they have given to Dr. Sappington.