MR. RAYMOND MICHAEL DRUNGOLE

It was a nice summer day, in the year of 1961, the fourth day of the month of August that a baby boy entered into this world at the Felix Long Memorial Hospital, Starkville, and Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. It was the third day of March, the year of 2024, that he completed his assignment here on earth. Raymond was made for “country” living. Although, he lived in Chicago a few years, he soon realized that the “city life” was not for him. Therefore, he lived the majority of his life on Highway 82, rural Oktibbeha County as he completed his education at Maben High School, Maben Mississippi. During his high school matriculation, he participated in sports and particularly enjoyed football. Afterwards, he dedicated his life to his chosen craft as he became a” Master Painter” bringing joy and beauty to countless structures throughout this community and the State of Mississippi. His meticulous attention to detail and passion for perfection were evident in every stroke of his brush. Beyond his talent as a painter, Raymond was known for his brilliant mind, the ability to keep up and discuss current events whether they were local, national or global. He was an avid reader, enjoying his daily newspaper while also watching the news as he waited to “guess the puzzle” on Wheel of Fortune, one of his favorite television programs. Raymond had a keen mind with the ability to remember historical events as if they happened yesterday. Most of all, he was very humorous-one could not have a conversation with him without his saying something funny or just making you laugh. Every Sunday morning, Raymond faithfully watched Religious Broadcasts. He particularly enjoyed watching the television broadcast of Dr. James Boyd of Zion Gate M.B. Church, Columbus, MS and would often share quotes and sermons from the broadcast with family members and friends. He also loved reading his bible. Earlier in life he had confessed Christ at Pleasant Hill U. M. Church, Starkville, MS, but is now having his final rites at St. Stephen, the church that was founded by his Great, Great Grandfather, Oren Russell. Indeed, he is a descendent of the late patriarch, the owner of Russell Hill (outside of Maben) where one can stand on the hill and view the tree lines of the City of Starkville, 18 miles away. Raymond, also known as “the 82 Kid” lived life as he chose. He will be missed, but his memory will be cherished by his son, Phillip Michael Drungole, and grandson, Phillip, Jr.; Siblings: Linda, Ronald, Victoria Paula, Daphanie & Darrell; Two nieces, five nephews, one great nephew and a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Rev. Abe & Mrs. Ruth D. Cummings; parents: Carl F. Drungole & Diana S. Thomas; Siblings: Carol (infant), Roland and Glenda.

MR. RAYMOND MICHAEL DRUNGOLE

August 4, 1961 - March 3, 2024