A memorial service will be announced at a later day for John Henry Sossaman, 76, of Coffeeville who died on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Oxford surrounded by his children.
Mr. Sossaman was born on Sept. 3, 1947, in Hollandale, the son of the late Oscar and the late Inez Bonner Sossaman. He was the second of 12 children.
Raised between the Delta and the hills, he left school and began working very early in life and had numerous careers. A “jack of all trades,” among a few he held a tree surgeon’s license, was a mechanic, farmed, was a truck driver eventually owning his own trucking company, did dozer work for the government and private citizens, and most recently owned and operated a gravel pit in Tallahatchie County.
“Big John” as he was known by his friends, loved to work on old tractors and any sort of equipment, large or small. He also loved to dove hunt and spend time outdoors. He was proud of all of his children, loved to play with his grandchildren and watch them become young adults, and adored his four great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, his youngest daughter, Jeanna Sossaman Mills, and two brothers, Oscar Sossaman Jr. and David Sossaman, preceded Mr. Sossaman in death.
Survivors include, his wife of 57 years, Alice Jean Woods Sossaman of Coffeeville; one daughter, Krista McFerrin (Clay) of Charleston; three sons, Billy Sossaman of Water Valley, Johnny Sossaman of Coffeeville and Terry Sossaman (Theresa) of New Albany; son-in-law, Kelly Mills of Cordova, Tenn.; four sisters, Ann Woodard (Richard) of Byhalia, Edna Woods Cook (Charles) of Marks, Louise Richardson (Roger) of Charleston and Linda Leake (Marvin) of Hattiesburg; five brothers, Jim Sossaman of Batesville, Albert Sossaman (Sarah) of Coffeeville, Willie Sossaman of Moscow, Tenn., Robert Sossaman and Mike Sossaman of Teasdale; sisters-in-law, Joyce Sossaman of Coffeeville and Dorothy Rayburn of Sardis; four grandchildren, Brandon McFerrin and Kelsey Bright (Ryan), all of Charleston, and Addison Sossaman and Ethan Sossaman, both of Water Valley; four great grandchildren, Harper Bright, Beckett Bright, Baylor Bright and Ryder Bright, all of Charleston and numerous nieces and nephews.
Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley is in charge of arrangements.
