Mr. Harold Stewart Neese, 85, of Holcomb, passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at his residence.  He was born August 23, 1936 in Philadelphia, MS to Edney and Evie Hogue Neese.  Affectionately known by many as "The Turtle Man" and to others in his family as "Uncle Buddy", he will be fondly remembered by his children as their provider, teacher of life and teacher of living.  He set the example of service first to his wife, Dovie, to his church and to his country as an Army Veteran.  He taught his family so many life lessons that will never be forgotten.

H.S.'s career path was full of adventure.  He was a self-sufficient man that cut his own path.  "The Turtle Man" harvested logger head turtles weighing up to 140 lbs. and sold them to restaurants in New Orleans and other areas in Louisiana.  During his family's early years, he developed an international business raising and selling baby Striper turtles to Asian pet markets.  There were many lessons learned gathering eggs, incubating the eggs and shipping them during those sweltering hot summer Delta days.  His career adventure didn't end there.  During the Winter months, he ran a trapping business and marketed these valuable furs.  In between, he found time to enjoy fishing his favorite lake, chasing a whitetail deer or furry squirrel.

His love for his wife, Dovie, was unprecedented.  He taught his children more about family and love by the way he treated his wife, the mother of his children.  He set the example and set the bar high.

He lived life to the fullest.  He always made initiating fun times for his family a priority.  H.S. was always ready for a game of horseshoes, softball, or playing an unexpected joke all with kindness and a gentle spirit.

While H.S.'s presence will be greatly missed, his children will remember the lessons he taught and will pass them on to generations to come.

Funeral services for H.S. will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Holcomb Baptist Church with Rev. Kevin Tribble officiating.  Interment will follow in the Holcomb Cemetery.  Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Dovie Ferguson Neese, one daughter, Jean Neese Smithhart(Will) of Brandon; three sons, Steve Neese(Sandy) of Holcomb, Mike Neese(Angel) of Carrollton and Patrick Neese(Linda) of Greenville; ten grandchildren, Chris Neese, Tracy Hunt, Randi Smelcer, Brian Neese, Elizabeth Hust, Jennifer Taylor, Bennett Smithhart, Josh Neese, Thomas Sewell and Michael Sewell; and 22 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Hazel Sproles and Pearl Alexander; and three brothers, Charles Neese, Marvin Neese and Eddie Neese.

Pallbearers will be Josh Neese, Brian Neese, Chris Neese, Bennett Smithhart, Kyle Taylor, Thomas Sewell and Michael Sewell.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).