Valdis Gercens , 64, of Cruger, MS, died Thursday, June 14, 2018 at University Medical Center in Jackson, MS, after a short illness. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at Wilson & Knight Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, June 18, 2018 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery in Carroll County. Rev. Al Different will officiate.

Mr. Gercens was born February 6, 1954 in Greenwood, MS, to Karlis Gercens and Marija Martinson. He attended Tchula Grammar School, Cruger Tchula Academy and was a graduate of the University of Mississippi. He returned to Cruger, where he pursued agricultural interests until his death. He was an ardent and joyful member of Cruger Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and teacher of the Men's Sunday School. He loved his church family and was a supporter of all its activities and missions. He was a man of God. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his sister, Milda Gercens McMillan of Barington, IL; brothers, Karlis Gercens and wife Sallie of Greenwood, MS, and Janis Gercens of Cruger, MS; nephews, Dennis Melton and wife Elizabeth of Acona, MS, Todd Melton and wife Tina of Saltillo, MS, Karl Gercens III of Kenneth Square, PA, Michael McMillan of Barrington, IL, Peter McMillan of Barrington, IL; and several grand nephews and great grandnephews.

Pallbearers will be Willie Lemon, Sammie Epps, Dee Melton, Todd Melton, Karl Gercens, Sterling Melton, D.J. Collins, and Preston Thomas. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Joe Ross, P.T. Ross, Dr. Bubba Nause, Pam Collins, Charlie Mac Wade, Bruce Taylor, Wayne Self, Sanford Thomas, Jim Thomas, and the Men's Sunday School Class at Cruger Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Cruger Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.