John Mcintyre, Sr.

John Cole McIntyre, age 95, of Brandon, MS passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 8, 2020 from congestive heart failure, at Peach Tree Village in Brandon.

Mr. McIntyre was a native of Rankin County. He grew up and attended school in Brandon before his admission to the Marion Military Institute of Alabama. After his graduation he attended the University of Mississippi. At the outbreak of World War II, undeterred by an eye disability that prevented active military service, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marine and served on many ships sailing the North Atlantic and other major shipping routes in the European War Theatre. He often spoke of his experiences during these years, recalling them as the most vivid and memorable of his life.

Mr. McIntyre married Madora Ann Buchanan, with whom he had a loving relationship until her death in 2002. He owned and operated a farm in Fannin for many years before starting his own business in Jackson and moving back to Brandon. Always keenly interested in business and finance, he served on the Board of Directors for both the Rankin County Bank and the Mississippi Farm Credit Association, and participated in various economic development initiatives for Rankin County. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Brandon.

Known affectionately as "Big John" to family, he will be remembered by all for his intellect, extraordinary memory, and extensive knowledge of literature, history and the markets. He was sometimes referred to as a walking encyclopedia, and his response time often seemed to rival Google. Just a few days before his death, with one family member he was discussing world history in vivid substantive detail, and with another the topic of Old English, while reciting verbatim the General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.

In lesser pursuits, fishing was a favorite pastime and good food was a lifelong passion. He had a special affection for dogs and enjoyed a wide assortment of beloved pets. They seemed to sense that he both liked and respected them, and that is what they gave, in equal measures, to him in return. But he was helpless when confronted with a begging dog, and his under the table legerdemain delivered many a happy treat to his canine friends.

In his final years, Mr. McIntyre's highest pleasure came from following the developing careers of his grandchildren and encouraging them in their life goals. He was always their greatest champion. He was also a generous man, and his last communicated thoughts were about gifts to others and the help he still wanted to provide in his final days.

Mr. McIntyre is survived by his children: John Cole McIntyre, Jr., Madora McIntyre Sellers and husband Grant; grandchildren: Shannon McIntyre Hooper and husband Greg, Mary Buchanan Sellers, and Cole Mitchell McIntyre. He was preceded in death by his wife, Madora McIntyre; parents, Judge W. E. McIntyre, Sr. and Viola Burns McIntyre.

The family will be having private visitation; and there will be a graveside service at 12:30 PM December 14, 2020, at Brandon Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are with Ott and Lee Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers and in recognition of his love of dogs, memorial donations may be made to Community Animal Rescue & Adoption, a Jackson-based organization, either via their website at https://www.carams.org/donate or via mail at P. O. Box 231, Clinton, MS 39060.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Peachtree Village for their care and compassion.