Fallen Hero: MSG Charles Ray “Chief” McPhail (Ret)

Rolling Fork


Funeral Home

Glenwood Funeral Home


Visitation

10-11 a.m., Wednesday, May 24, 2023, First Baptist Church, Rolling Fork

Service

11 a.m., Wednesday, May 24, 2023, First Baptist Church, Rolling Fork


Obituary

Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard.  “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on May 22, 2023, and has moved on to his heavenly home. MSG Charles Ray “Chief” McPhail (Ret), age 87, who had served as a member of the MS Army National Guard and served within the 2/198th Armor Bn, 155th Armored Brigade, has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.

Obituary, visitation, and service details:

Charles Ray “Chief” McPhail passed away on May 22, 2023, at his home. He was 87.

Chief was born in Mayersville, MS on September 23, 1935, the son of Hoy L. McPhail and Belvia Dykes McPhail. He retired from the United States Air Force and the Mississippi Army National Guard. He also retired from the City of Rolling Fork as Chief of Police after 20 years of service and as Rolling Fork Alderman and Glenwood Funeral Home. He served on the Rolling Fork Volunteer Fire Department, as Pass Master of of Deer Creek Masonic Lodge and past President of the MS Association of Chiefs of Police. He was a member of Scottish Rite, York Rite, Shriner’s, Chief’s Hut Hunting Club, American Legion and Rolling Fork First Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Hoy L. McPhail, Jr., Robert McPhail, Herbert McPhail, Hubert McPhail and Herman McPhail; sisters Letha Sims, Nettie Wixon, Grace Shive, Lucille Bodie, Addie Mae Holloway and Janelle Holloway; step-son Philip Oxner, III; granddaughter Keeley Oxner and grandson Drew McClendon.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years Mary Margaret Seale McPhail; children Renea Robertson (Eddie) of Sumrall, MS, Eric McPhail (Angie) of Muldrow, OK, Chuck McPhail of New Orleans, LA and Beth McClendon (Jeff) of Rolling, MS; grandchildren Trey Robertson (Robbie) of Perkinston, MS, Adam Robertson (Kayla) of Sumrall, MS, Amber England of Muldrow, OK, Kayla Williams (Michael) of Van Buren, AR, Robert McPhail (Angela) of Charleston, AR, Hannah McPhail of Vidalia, LA and R. J. McClendon (Lara) of Senath, MO and 6 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Rolling Fork with Rev. Mildred Caulder officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery of Rolling Fork.
Pallbearers will be Charles “Willie Jack” Willingham, III, Adam Robertson, Trey Robertson, R. J. McClendon, Bert McPhail, Robert McPhail and Kenny Willingham. Honorary pallbearers will be Chief’s Hunting Club camp members and Dewey ‘Peanut” McClendon.
Memorials may be made to Deer Creek Masonic Lodge Disaster Fund, c/o Bank of Anguilla, 130 Holland St., Anguilla, MS 38721.