John Wayne Counts, Sr. 86, of Brookhaven, MS, formerly of Greenwood, MS, died Monday, November 11, 2024, at his residence. Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Wilson & Knight Funeral Home with visitation 12 p.m. until service time. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in North Carrollton, MS. Rev. Ed McDaniel will officiate.

Born on July 29, 1938, in Holcomb, MS, to the late Ed and Hattie Sue Counts, at an early age he moved to Leflore County with his family.

After graduating from Humphreys High in Itta Bena, he went to work for Medart Manufacturing Company as assistant plant superintendent for twenty-seven years, he was associated with Bowman & Bowman retiring in 2007 as president of the company.

He was a member of First Baptist Church Greenwood serving as deacon. He also taught the youth boys in church training. He served on numerous committees, including the committee for the 126th year homecoming of the church.

He coached boys baseball and girls softball for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Ed Counts, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris Nicholson Counts of Brookhaven, MS; son, John Counts, Jr. and wife Vicki of Oklahoma City, OK, and daughter, Michelle Counts Smith and her husband Rob of Bogue Chitto, MS; five grandchildren, Alexander Myers (Mason), John-Crawford (Abbey), Maddie Ogden, Nick Ogden (Maggie), and Sophie Smith; two great grandchildren, Murphy and Millie Kate Myers; sister, Hattie Mae Winstead; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was a unique person and will be missed by many.