Rufus Putnam Stainback, 94, of Minter City, MS, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at his residence. Graveside services will be at 12 p.m. Monday, in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Greenwood, MS. Visitation will be 10.am. to 12 p.m. at Wilson & Knight Funeral Home. Rev. Sara Miller and Rev. Sam Dodd will officiate.

Rufus was born on December 12, 1924 in Greenwood, MS. He was a lifelong member of Minter City United Methodist Church and was a Sunday school teacher for 50 years. A World War II veteran, Mr. Stainback began farming the family place in 1949, continuing for over 50 years. He enjoyed hunting and the outdoors, growing vegetables and fruit, giving blueberries and pecans to everyone, and was an avid conservationist.

He believed in giving back to his community and during his lifetime was past president of the Greenwood Leflore Library Board and past president of the Leflore County Farm Bureau. He was also instrumental in developing Miles Home Subdivision. He lived by his priorities of faith and family.

Rufus is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Harriet Putman Stainback, and his wife of 50 years, Peggy Wise Stainback.

He is survived by his children, Rufus Putnam Stainback, Jr., Susan Hooper (David), and James Stainback (Stephanie); and granddaughter, Emily (Jeremy) Gatzmeier .

Pallbearers will be Andrew Stainback, Scott Blackley, Frank Stainback IV, Johnny Heimann, George Howard, Brady Simpson, and Jim Webb. Honorary Pallbearers will be Frank Stainback III, Hal Pleasants, James Simpson, I.W. Steele, and David Hooper.

Memorials may be made to the Minter City United Methodist Church.

Wilson & Knight Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.wilsonandknight.com .