Jackie Ray Tice

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch Jackie Ray Tice (Papa Jack) went to his heavenly home on January 29, 2026. He was born on May 23, 1940 to Thomas Franklin Tice and Viola Gentry Tice. He leaves his wife of 35 years, Annetta Bennett Tice; sister, Diane Hamm (Ronnie) of Nashville TN; two deceased brothers, Terry Tice (Linda) and Glenn Tice; Annetta's son, Patrick Duffey; four grandchildren, Kaitlyn Duffey, Zachary Duffey, Jordan Pitcher, and James Logan Smith. Jack also leaves a host of cousins, nieces and nephews who commonly refer to him as Papa Jack. He had another very special person in his life, Nicole Duffey (Patrick’s wife). Papa Jack loved her like a daughter, and she means the world to our family. Jack was raised in Church of God of Prophecy but joined the Baptist faith in 1995 at Cedar View Baptist Church. We frequented Meadow Brook until Jack’s illnesses kept us from being able to travel easily. He was a Christian and God-loving man and lived his life accordingly. Jack was definitely in God's hands during all his medical problems. At times it seemed just simply a miracle, but he also had the will to live. And so he did. When Jack became a part of the Bennett family he quickly became the adopted brother to Anna Jean Clements, James Earl Bennett, Victor Bennett and a son to Annetta's parents, James and Wilma Bennett. They loved him and accepted him in an unusual way; he simply became a real part of the family. Patrick had the privilege of being his son in every way, all the grandchildren were HIS grandchildren, and he loved them all. Jack was retired from Illinois Central Railroad (CNIC) after 40 years of service. He leaves a host of friends that he referred to as his railroad family. He had what I refer to as a hobby designing and building custom homes in his spare time. Jack loved spending time with his coffee drinking friends in Olive Branch. They shared many happy times together. Jack enjoyed working round the house but his one true enjoyment was traveling and hunting. He loved our trips around the country and Canada on the Amtrak. His dream was to get an elk for our wall and we certainly fulfilled that dream in Nephi, Utah (2007). When I married Jack he was a "Dog Lover," raising Brittany Spaniels, but he quickly became a "Cat Lover" and spent many times coddling kittens! He would make beds for them, assure they were warm in the winter, and cool in the summer! Sami, our Lhasa Pom (deceased) was his buddy for 15 years. Jasper (alive and well Maltese) makes His home with us now. Jack spoiled him with treats every chance he got! Music was a big part of his life from the time he was playing drums with his family in his younger years, The Son Rays (Matthew Clements) during our marriage, and, of course, he and my dad (James Bennett) wound up their senior years playing with Roy & Friends HOOT ON OLD 78 in Olive Branch on the square. We were avid followers of Southern Gospel groups like Bluff City Quartet, Almost Famous Crains, Geeslins Quartet and many others. I close in saying this is probably not your usual obituary, but Papa Jack was not your usual man. l loved him from the time I became his wife until his last hour on this earth, and he will live in my heart forever and ever. AMEN Friends are invited to a visitation with the family on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Lebanon cemetery. Pastor Robbie Wier will officiate. Online condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeob.com.

Jackie Ray Tice

May 23, 1940 - January 29, 2026

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