V.J. Stegall

VJ Stegall, age 86, died September 22 at the Veteran’s Hospital in Kosciusko, Ms.

VJ was born on April 6, 1937, in Flora, MS to now deceased parents Vardaman and Jesse Stegall. He graduated from Morton High School, received a bachelor’s degree from Delta State College, and a master’s degree from Mississippi State College.

He met and married Carolyn Bean, became a father and a successful band director of several high school bands in Mississippi. He later became a school administrator.

VJ was the life of every party and was an exceptionally talented clarinet player. He organized and led a jazz band for many years. He was also a founding member of The New Bourbon St Jazz Society.

After retirement, he created and ran a small business which supplied uniform cords to band and military groups throughout the USA.

Mr. Stegall was preceded in death by his parents, Vardaman and Jesse Stegall; two sisters, Jane Lauderdale, and Cinda Buntyn; and two brothers, Willie and Quinton Stegall.

VJ is survived by his former wife, Carolyn Stegall; Their two children, Melissa “Milly” George (Ronald), and James Stegall (Tanya); his second wife, Deloris Pryor and two stepchildren; Ty Parker (Jill) and Chad Parker. He also had 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren that he adored to the ends of the earth. VJ is also survived by his only living sister, Lenora Schuyler and many much-loved nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers for this service will be: Dale Stegall, Jason Blackwell, Neil Buntyn, Tommy Stegall, Steve Lauderdale , and Alan Lauderdale. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike McLain and Stacey Stegall.

Services to honor the life of VJ Stegall will be Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Morton, MS. Visitation will start at 1:00pm with the Funeral Service at 2:00pm in our Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to:

Mt Olive Church Cemetery, 6199 MS-13

Morton, MS 39117

Ott and Lee of Morton is honored to serve the Stegall family.