HAZELHURST—Melton James Stegall of Crystal Springs died Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Copiah County Medical Center in Hazlehurst. He was 86.

He was a graduate of Crystal Springs High School.  He earned his bachelor’s and master’s of science degrees at Mississippi State University after serving in the Mississippi National Guard and the U.S. Army.  He was a veteran of the Korean War, where he received two Bronze Stars and another medal. He retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

He was an elder emeritus at First Presbyterian Church in Hazlehurst and previously served as elder at First Presbyterian Church in Crystal Springs. He was a member of the Gideon’s International.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Carl Stegall and Bertie Mae Weathersby Stegall; and sister, Carolyn Stegall Garrett.

He is survived by his wife, Estelle Phillips Stegall; son, John Stegall of Wesson; daughters, Sue Worrell McCool (Randall) of Vicksburg and Melody Worrell of Crystal Springs; and a grandson that was raised as a son, Drew Boleware (Jamie) of Crystal Springs; another grandson; and three granddaughters; six great-grandchildren; and a brother, Roy Stegall (Katy) of Arizona.

Services will be at First Presbyterian Church in Hazlehurst Friday, March 31, at 2 p.m.

Visitation will be Friday from noon until the hour of service at the church.

Interment will follow in Crystal Springs City Cemetery.

Stringer Family Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Gideon’s International or Hazlehurst Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 769, Hazlehurst, MS 39083.