John Rayford Drennan

A native of Collins, MS, John was born to John Ellzey Drennan and Margie Carter Drennan. He was a graduate of Collins High School. Following a two-year military tour with the U. S. Army in Berlin, Germany, he graduated from Meridian Junior College. He also attended Mississippi State University Campus in Meridian, Ms and the University of Southern Mississippi.

John began his career in a national retail corporation in Laurel and Meridian, Ms. He managed stores in Mississippi, Alabama, Texas and Georgia. Following a short stint in a family-owned retail business, he worked in banking and investments as a registered stockbroker.

He was ordained a Deacon in the First Baptist Church of Biloxi, MS where he was instrumental in establishing the television ministry of the church. He also served as a deacon in the First Baptist Churches of Tuscaloosa, Al, San Antonio, Tx, Laurel and Brandon, Ms. At the time of his death, John was a member of First Baptist Church, Brandon.

John is a former Councilman for the city of Laurel. He also served on the Boards of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. In each city of residence, he was a member and an elected officer in the various civic organizations.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Margie Drennan, brothers Charles, Danny, and Ben Drennan, and sisters, Eula Duckworth, and Thelma Craft.

John is survived by wife, Annette Vick Drennan; Son, Mark Drennan and wife Angie; Daughters, Janet Grayson and Beth Keyser and husband, Dyrk; Grandchildren, Blake Grayson and wife Alyssa, Brian Grayson, Matthew Drennan, and Ashlyn Drennan; Sisters, Frances Battese (Jim), Nell Drennan, and Elna Hardy (Wayne); and several nieces and nephews.

Our heartfelt thanks to Wisteria Gardens for the outstanding care provided to our loved one, as well as the private sitters that loved and cared for him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the building fund at First Baptist Church of Brandon, MS.

Funeral services will at 11:30am Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Brandon, 309 College Street, Brandon, MS 39042, with visitation beginning at  9:30am at the church.  There will be a 3:30pm graveside Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Hickory Grove Cemetery,1520 W. 15th Street in Laurel, MS.